Congress Considers $30 Million Grant for Birth Parent Assistance

An act to help enhance services available to birth parents following the adoptive placement of their child has been introduced in the U.S. Congress.

Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-OH) and James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced H.R. 5640, the Birth Parent Assistance Act of 2008, which would provide post-placement counseling services for birthparents who have placed a child for adoption.

The bill, introduced March 13, authorizes a $30 million grant program to enhance counseling and other support services for birth parents after they have placed a child with an adoptive family. Funding may also be used for a national hotline and the training of hospital and birthing facility staff as it relates to staff interaction with the birth parents and adoptive families. The legislation also requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on all of the services available to birth parents and how such services might be improved.

"Placing a child for adoption is a positive and loving choice for the birthparent, child and adoptive family," said Rep. Schmidt in a news release. "This legislation will help ensure more birth parents have the support they need - if they require it - to positively move forward with their lives."

from www.americanadoptions.com