Education Aid for Foster Children - Press Release

"Foster children deserve every chance to get an education and start a career they will need to succeed later in life," Secretary Thompson said. "Thesevouchers would help more than 12,000 young adults across the country to receive the education that best meets their life goals."

HHS' fiscal year 2003 budget will request $60 million to fund this initiative for the first time. Last year, President Bush proposed the initiative and signed legislation yesterday to authorize the program.

"Many states, including Wisconsin, have shown that educational assistance can help young people make the transition to independent life," Secretary Thompson said. "President Bush and I worked hard with Congress last year to get the program authorized at the federal level, and we will work even harder this year to make sure the money is available."

The initiative would expand the Independent Living Program within HHS' Administration for Children and Families. The program allows states to provide benefits and services to young adults who grew up in foster care and are making the transition to independent living.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials areavailable at www.hhs.gov/news.

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