FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 14, 2005
Contact: Jane Norris
(202) 401-9215
HHS Approves Tennessee Child Welfare Waiver
Initiative to
Help Youth Live in Permanent, Stable Homes
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a child welfare waiver demonstration project for the state of Tennessee to help children move out of foster care and into permanent homes with relatives or other guardians with whom they have a close bond.
“This project will allow more children in Tennessee to grow up in a safe and stable home,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “By providing Tennessee with greater flexibility, the Bush Administration is strengthening families and offering children the care and permanency they need to grow into responsible citizens.”
Section 1130 of the Social Security Act authorizes HHS to approve up to 10 new child welfare waiver demonstration projects each year. All demonstration projects are required to be evaluated by a third party and must be cost-neutral to the federal government.
“President Bush believes states should have more flexibility to improve ways to strengthen services to families in crisis,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and families Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “This waiver will help Tennessee make a positive difference in the lives of many children and families.”
The waiver will allow Tennessee to use federal foster care funds to pay monthly subsidies to families who assume legal guardianship of children who would otherwise remain in the custody of the state. A legal guardianship must be established by a court order transferring custody of the child from the state to the family. Families and children participating in this demonstration will also qualify for supportive services such as support groups, respite care and recreational activities for children and families.
The project will be implemented in three regions of Tennessee, encompassing sixteen counties and can be expanded to more counties in the future.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news