Schmidt Introduces Birthparent Assistance Act
WASHINGTON, DC – In a press release, Congresswoman Schmidt (OH-02) today announced the introduction of the Birthparent Assistance Act.
“I am extremely proud to introduce the Birthparent Assistance Act
with Congressman Oberstar (MN-08), who is an expert and leader in
Congress on adoption issues,” said Rep. Schmidt.
“Placing a child for adoption is a positive and loving choice for the
birthparent, child and adoptive family,” said Rep. Schmidt “This
legislation will help ensure more birthparents have the support they
need – if they require it – to positively move forward with their
lives.”
The Birthparent Assistance Act would authorize the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) to provide $30 million in grants to enhance
counseling and other support services for birthparents after they have
placed a child with an adoptive family. Grants may also be used to
operate a national hotline and train hospital or birthing facility
staff as it relates to staff interaction with birthparents and adoptive
families. The legislation also requires HHS to report back to Congress
on all of the services available to birthparents and how services for
birthparents might be improved.
“This is an important way to improve the adoption process for
birthparents as well as the adoptive families and children who often
have some degree of contact with their birthfamilies,” Schmidt added.
The Birthparent Assistance Act is supported by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the National Council for Adoption.





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