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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE7/30/2009Therapeutic Foster Care in Health ReformToday, when the House Energy and Commerce Committee resumed mark up of its health reform legislation, H.R. 3200, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) offered an amendment on therapeutic foster care that was accepted by voice vote. Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) provides intensive, individualized services in a community-based environment for children with severe mental and behavioral health needs. These are evidence-informed placements that have produced positive outcomes including improved social skills and psychological adjustment, reduced behavioral problems, and placement stability. The U.S. Surgeon General's 1999 report on mental health recommended TFC as a promising, effective intervention for children with serious emotional disorders.
Congresswoman Baldwin's amendment provides a basic definition of TFC and protects reimbursement for TFC by stating that nothing in the Medicaid statute prohibits Medicaid from paying for the treatment contained in TFC. CWLA worked in strong partnership with organizations such as the Foster Family-based Treatment Association, the Alliance for Children & Families, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and thanks Congresswoman Baldwin for her strong support of vulnerable children and youth and TFC programs. CWLA also thanks our members for your involvement on this matter.
Stay tuned--health reform continues to move!
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