WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Work & Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood (IL-16) delivered the following remarks at a Ways and Means Work & Welfare subcommittee hearing on how technology can empower caseworkers and improve outcomes for foster youth.
As prepared for delivery.
“Good morning and welcome. Thank you all for joining us.
“Today’s hearing is titled, ‘Leaving the Sticky Notes Behind: Harnessing Innovation and New Technology to Help America’s Foster Youth Succeed.’
“A special thank you and welcome to all of our witnesses.
“My name is Darin LaHood, and I represent Illinois’ 16th District, covering much of the central and northwestern parts of the state.
“This will be our 2nd hearing as part of the Committee’s bipartisan work to modernize and reform the Chafee Foster Care Program.
“During our hearing in June, we examined challenges youth face when aging out of foster care. Witnesses highlighted that many of our foster youth are not aware of resources offered through the Chafee program, and raised concerns about states not drawing down all of their available federal funds.
“Our hearing today will focus on how technology and innovation can help caseworkers better support transition-age foster youth.
“Last week, I was honored to join President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for the signing of the Executive Order, Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. The Executive Order includes a call for the modernization of state child welfare systems and expanding the use of technology.
“I am committed to help advance those priorities through our work here at the Subcommittee.
“Youth aging out of foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country.
- 80 percent of former foster youth experienced trauma before adulthood and nearly half have diagnosed mental health conditions.
- Foster youth have higher rates of educational dropout, early pregnancy, and unemployment.
- One of the most significant barriers that I’m concerned about is access to stable housing. One estimate finds that nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experienced homelessness by age 21.
“Programs like Chafee play a critical role in assisting youth by helping them develop life skills, access housing, and enroll in education and training – and we know caseworkers are at the forefront of a youth’s experience.
“Caseworkers help youth navigate programs, plan their future, and work toward successful independence.
“Yet, many states face significant costs and lengthy timelines to modernize state systems. States are continuing to rely on decades-old technology, such as green screen main frames and the equivalent of electronic “sticky notes.” This increases administrative burden and fuels high turnover and burnout among caseworkers. It certainly does not advance our goal of improving outcomes for foster youth.
“Child welfare systems have not kept up with the pace of technology, and it is children and caseworkers that feel the impact.
“When caseworkers rely on spreadsheets or clunky software applications to track cases, it does not create an optimal environment for identifying unmet needs, or helping youth cultivate relationships with family and kin – things that are foundational to success.
“We will hear today from some remarkable individuals who took their experience in the private sector and developed new technology to provide better, more advanced tools for caseworkers – with incredible results for foster youth.
“I’m convinced that federal Chafee funds could have more of an impact when paired with modern technology and newer case management tools. We know some states are testing innovative models, and I’d like to explore ways to cultivate that across the country.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to take what we have learned from these hearings to develop ways to improve Chafee and other federal programs supporting our foster youth.
“Thank you again to our witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to hearing your insights.”