News From…
Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2008 |
CONTACT: Jamie McInerney (202) 225-6131 |
| WASHINGTON, DC – Last night Congressman Dennis Cardoza received the Child Welfare League of America’s annual Congressional Voice for Youth Award. The award recognizes Congressman Cardoza’s work in the House of Representatives on behalf of vulnerable young Americans, and particularly foster children.
“I am deeply honored to accept this award and want to use this opportunity to thank the young people I meet who are vocal about the realities of the struggling foster care system,” said Cardoza upon accepting the award. “When my wife and I adopted our son and daughter eight years ago, I learned firsthand how much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable young people in our country. Hearing the stories of young people, like those gathered here today, redoubles my commitment to improving their lives.”
Throughout his legislative career Congressman Cardoza has been an advocate for disadvantaged youths and foster children. During this session of Congress, Cardoza has introduced three signature pieces of legislation to help vulnerable young people:
1) The Medicaid Foster Care Coverage Act that would extend Medicaid coverage for foster children who have aged out of the system by authorizing state health coverage through the age of 21 as they transition to adulthood.
2) The CASA for Every Child Act would help ensure that every foster child is assigned a trained CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer to investigate a foster child’s unique situation and advocate for the child’s best interest.
3) The Drug Endangered Children Act, which has been passed by the House, authorizes the Department of Justice to award $20 million per year in grants to improve coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, children protection services, social service agencies, and health care providers to help transition drug endangered children into safe residential environments.
The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization, has been known and respected as a champion for children since 1920. Their primary objective is making children a national priority. CWLA’s membership includes nearly 800 public and private child-serving agencies from coast to coast that promote the well-being of children and protecting them from harm.
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