Pryce Supports Legislation to Help Foster
Children Find Loving Homes

The Safe and Timely Interstate Placement Act Passes House

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) today expressed her strong support for the Safe and Timely Interstate Placement Act, legislation that will expedite the procedures states use to place a foster child in another state for the purpose of finding a permanent, loving family.  Pryce is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which passed the House by voice vote today.

“Today more children in need of families can find safe and loving homes without the artificial barrier of a state border,” said Pryce. “This bill pushes forward much-needed efforts to reform the outdated Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children by setting enforceable time limits for the placement of children across state lines and by removing other potential barriers to timely, permanent placements for children.”

More than 126,000 abused and neglected children in the U.S. are waiting for permanent homes, and 20,000 of these children will not find the appropriate family without going out of state. On average, these children end up waiting a year longer than other children to find permanent homes just because they had to go out of state. In Ohio, over 20,000 children are in foster care waiting to be permanently adopted by a loving family.

About Congresswoman Pryce:

Deborah Pryce represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.  She serves as Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 108th Congress, making her the fourth ranking member of House leadership.  The Congresswoman also co-chairs the Cancer Caucus.