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We Need a Foster Care System that
Doesn't Penalize Relatives
U.S Capitol Building, West Lawn - September 14, 2005

The following are prepared remarks that McDermott spoke from at the Second Annual "Grand Rally" on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The event was in support of grandparents and other relatives who are raising children.

Good afternoon.

I look out at this crowd and think: If ever there was a time to raise 1,000 voices on behalf of foster kids, this is the time, Congress is the place, and YOU are the voices of hope, care, and America's future. You are an army of miracle workers - saving lives, rebuilding dreams, restoring the childhood that every kid has a right to have.

You do great work. My hope is that we in the Congress will be half as good. Now, THAT would be a miracle. But miracles do happen and people like you can make them happen.

You know how much more needs to be done for foster children in this country. Make sure we hear that loud and clear. You know better than anyone where the gaping holes are in the social safety net. Demand that Congress sew the holes closed before you leave. You know what America can be if we act now on behalf of foster kids, and what America will be if we don't act.

You are the best advocates foster kids could possibly have. Use that clout.

We need to strengthen the laws that protect foster kids from harm. You know that. We need to do it. Today.

We need to provide unfettered access to medical care, counseling and mental health services for foster children who were in Katrina's path. You know that. We need to do it. Today.

We need to provide fairness in the foster care system so that relatives are not penalized when they become guardians. You know that. We need to do it. Today

It all comes down to this. You cannot promote family values unless you can protect family life, and that includes extended families.

I'm a medical doctor and child psychiatrist. I know what it means for a child to be raised in a safe, nurturing environment, and I've seen what can happen when a child can't remember the last time they felt safe .It's not a lot to ask and it's the least that we can provide.

Make sure everyone here knows it and acts to keep these children from harm. Speak loudly, 1,000 voices as one, saying what any parent would want for their son or daughter- safety, security, and hope.

A nation that ignores the needs of all its children is a nation without a heart and a nation without a future.

Thank you.