3 Key Steps
To rebuild our child welfare system, Casey sees that we must: 1) improve federal child welfare financing; 2) ensure permanent family connections for every child; and 3) expand Medicaid support.
This issue of Casey Connects outlines 4 sets of federal policy approaches aimed at improving the lives of America’s most economically fragile families. Readers will learn the Foundation’s recommended actions for reducing poverty, reforming the nation’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and improving data on children and families.
At the time of this report, more than 37 million Americans, including 13.3 million children, are living below the official poverty line. Even worse: The percentage of people falling into deep poverty is expected to skyrocket amid the 2009 economic downturn. Now — more than ever — the country needs creative, effective policies that will enable families and future generations to build a better life and achieve the American dream.