Additional Federal Action Could Help States Address Challenges in Providing Services to Children & Families

May 15, 2007 Additional Federal Action Could Help States Address Challenges in Providing Services to Children & Families Despite substantial federal and state investment, states have had difficulty ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in foster care. Most states said that insufficient capacity for substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment is a key barrier to improving child welfare outcomes. Ensuring these outcomes becomes even more difficult in the event of disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when children and families may become displaced across state lines. This testimony discusses: Issues that states reported as most . . .