APPENDIX F: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY INSTITUTE

1. In response to the Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) cuts, the Child Welfare Services account must be increased at least threefold to provide minimal protection to children likely to suffer irreparable harm from neglect.

2. Substantial budgetary amounts could be saved through the recognition of a child's "constitutional right to parents", entitled to equal weight with the longstanding adult "right to parent". Approaching legal rights in a more balanced fashion, ... courts must consider the dual rights of parent and child. Parents should be given a limited period, such as thirty days to demonstrate bona fide interest in parenting. Failure to attend drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs should yield a presumed termination of parental rights and immediate adoption. Such a policy would be defensible where the state can offer the security of a loving and permanent alternative. That alternative requires meaningful funding of both foster care and adoption assistance substantially beyond investment to date.

3. The accounts of both the Office of Child Abuse Prevention and Office of Prevention and Victim Services... should be funded to a total of $100 million by 1998-99, and to $200 million by 1999-00. These funds should be directed into parenting and public education, youth activities, early intervention and the intensive education of parents during the period of initial pregnancy.⁽¹⁷⁴⁾

4. State support for foster care families should include medical passports, information about children under care, and assistance to deal with their often special problems. ⁽¹⁷⁵⁾

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