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.