U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation this week that will create programs to provide services to families with adopted children.
“Every day, families in Missouri and nationwide provide loving and safe homes to children in need through adoption,” Blunt said. “We must continue do to all we can to make it easier for families that choose to adopt, and I’m pleased to join Senator Klobuchar again on this important bill that will provide critical resources, training, and counseling to help keep adoptive families strong.”
The Supporting Adoptive Families Act includes several pre-adoption and post-adoption opportunities for counseling, education and transition services. The programs are designed to improve the preparation and flow of children needing adoption, and prevent them from being forced into foster care. The legislation also has a provision for mental health treatment when needed.
“Minnesotans have a long and proud tradition of providing loving homes to children from all around the globe,” Klobuchar added. “This bipartisan bill will help provide families with counseling and support throughout the adoption process to ensure a smooth and successful transition for children and their parents.”
Under the bill, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would be directed to award grants to eligible entities to promote training and counseling on behavioral issues, peer-to-peer mentoring and support groups, specialized treatment services, and crisis services, including a 24-hour emergency hotline.