U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., brought back a bill “which would use research and the science of child development to transform the child welfare system.”
DeLauro reintroduced the “Strengthening America’s Families Act (SAFA)” with Bilirakis as a co-sponsor.
The bill will “provide seed money to states to develop, stabilize and enhance Infant-Toddler Court Teams; ensure communities and states have the training and technical assistance they need to develop their programs with integrity and deliver evidence-based services; and expand the reach of an already proven successful program to transform how communities and the child welfare system support the wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and families.”
Bilirakis and DeLauro weighed in on the bill this week.
“Now that we understand the scientific data regarding the tragic long-term consequences which can result if appropriate intervention is not provided, we have an obligation to create a system of care that will enable children who have already suffered abuse to access trauma-informed care,” said Bilirakis. “ITCTs have a proven track record of success, and I want to ensure all abused children have the benefit of accessing this highly effective resource.”
“Facing rising costs across the country, working families are feeling economic stress which may result in adults working more or not being able to afford childcare. This means that infants and young children are being restricted to their homes due to financial pressures, a place where abuse and neglect intensify in both severity and number of cases,” said DeLauro. “The science is clear: child abuse creates lasting trauma and has detrimental impacts on development. Who children become as adults, their ability to succeed, depends largely upon their environment as an infant and child. SAFA provides the tools to transform a system that is failing too many infants, toddlers, and children. The federal government has an obligation to use data to inform public policy, and in this case, enhance the support system of our most vulnerable.”
“The incidence of abuse and neglect of infants is two to four times the rate for other age groups, and a third of children entering foster care each year are under age three. Child welfare advocates estimate that these numbers are significantly under-reported,” the congressman’s office noted.
A prominent Florida legal figure is backing the proposal.
“When I began as a Florida Circuit judge more than 30 years ago, I didn’t know the impact judges and court teams could have on the trajectory of babies and their families if only we recognized that trauma, child development, and outcomes are inextricably linked,” said retired Florida Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper.“Healing intergenerational trauma can stop the cycle. Thankfully, I have had the opportunity to see babies, toddlers, and families heal and thrive.”
More than 30 groups are backing the proposal.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. So far, there is no companion bill over in the U.S. Senate.
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