Reforming the Adoption and Foster Care System in the District of Columbia

This hearing focused on the current deteriorating condition of the D.C. adoption and foster care system. In the District, two-thirds of the children who come under the District’s custody grow up and age out of the foster care system at 18 years of age rather than growing up in a permanent adoptive home. As a result, the D.C. Child and Family Services which handles foster care and adoption is currently operating under a Federal court receivership. The purpose of the hearing was to hear about the innovative adoption reforms in Kansas and how they may apply to the District. In addition, the hearing provided an opportunity for the new Federally Court appointed receiver to announce her plans for improvement within the D.C. Child and Family Services.