New Law Paves Way to Create More Than 100 New Families Annually

Children's Law Center lauds DC Council's swift action to support adoptive parents and guardians

WASHINGTON, April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Children's Law Center (CLC) today celebrates the removal of key barriers to adoption and guardianship with newly passed legislation in the District of Columbia.  CLC anticipates the passage of the Adoption and Guardianship Subsidy Emergency and Temporary Amendment Acts of 2010 will lead to the formation of more than 100 new families each year and help dozens immediately.

"This victory is a win-win for everyone -- more children will leave foster care to permanent families, and the District will save a projected $3.9 million over the next four years," said Judith Sandalow, executive director of Children's Law Center.  "We have long advocated for this change and greatly appreciate the leadership of Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Michael Brown on this issue, as well as the Council's swift action to enact this legislation."

This legislation levels the playing field so that the subsidies for adoptive parents, legal guardians and foster parents end at the same time -- when youth turns 21.  

It also expands the pool of people who can receive guardianship subsidies beyond close relatives.  This provision is particularly important to older youth in foster care who want to stay in their foster families, but do not want to be adopted because it would sever legal ties to their birth families.  

About Children's Law Center

Children's Law Center provides free, comprehensive legal services to thousands of low-income and at-risk children in Washington, D.C. to ensure they have safe homes, a meaningful education and healthy lives.  Applying the knowledge gained from representing children and families, we advocate for changes in the city's laws, policies and programs. Children's Law Center is the largest nonprofit legal services provider in the District and the only to focus on children.  For more information, visit www.childrenslawcenter.org.

SOURCE Children's Law Center