Warner & Kaine Statement on Support for Proposal to Strengthen Virginia’s Child Welfare System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following joint statement in support of a new proposal unveiled this afternoon to reform and strengthen Virginia’s child welfare system:

“As former Governors, we know that Virginia’s economy and future depend on investments in the well-being of our youngest generations. That’s why we are pleased to see this new proposal to meaningfully reform Virginia’s child welfare system and better support children and families. Turning this vision into reality is going to take determination and a strong commitment to bipartisanship, and we urge leaders on both sides of the aisle in Richmond to come together, embrace this proposal, and get it done.”

According to Virginia Children’s Partnership, Virginia ranks last nationwide in terms of the number of children ‘aging out’ of foster care—meaning becoming adults with no permanent home. Last year, 500 Virginians, or 20 percent of those in foster care, experienced this.

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