Focusing on National Reunification Month

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jonathan Jackson for yielding.

June marks National Reunification Month, allowing us to recognize the importance of keeping families together and the long-term benefits that come with stable family structures.

As we observe this month, we must find ways to support the growing number of Black children who have been unnecessarily placed in foster care systems. As elected leaders, we must ensure that this trend does not continue in earnest.

Although the share of Black children in foster care is lower than ever before, Black children are still drastically overrepresented in the child welfare system. Across the country, 20 percent of children entering foster care in fiscal year 2021 were Black, yet Black children represent just 14 percent of the general population.

In my home State of Florida, it takes an extra 5 days, on average, for Black children to exit out-of-home care when compared to their White counterparts. This has been the status quo for far too long. From 2005 to 2021, 1 out of 125 children who identify as Black have been in foster care at any given point in time. That pains me not only as a Black American but as a parent.

There are several factors behind these glaring statistics, but they stem in large part from a combination of historical trauma and structural and systemic racism. Families of color are more likely to live in communities marked by historic disinvestment. High poverty rates have been exacerbated by poor housing conditions, limited access to employment opportunities and healthy food, as well as other components that are critical to raising children.

Through no fault of their own, many Black families have found it difficult to meet basic family needs and raise their children in safe, stable homes.

Our Nation needs to course correct. Research shows that children have better outcomes in life when their own families safely nurture and care for them. When a child must be removed from their parents, it is profoundly distressing for the entire family.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the passage of the Family First Prevention Services Act. This law changed how we look at child welfare, focusing on families as a whole. I also helped fund evidence- based, prevention-focused activities, like those that address mental health needs and in-home parent skill-based programs. As we celebrate its anniversary, we must continue to fund programs that keep our children out of foster care and provide parents with the support they need.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Dr. Judith Joseph, who has helped shine a light on mental health issues and inspired countless others to seek support.

Dr. Joseph immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad at the age of 4. After growing up in a religious community, with a father as a pastor, Judith became interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and science.

Today, she leads a team of 10 talented women at the Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, who are dedicated to developing and exploring novel treatments for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Dr. Joseph has shared her expertise with a wide audience, using social media as a positive vehicle for change in a digestible and accessible manner. I thank Dr. Joseph for her invaluable contribution to mental health research and education.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my co-chair, Representative Jonathan Jackson, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Phyllisia Ross, whose prowess as a musician has allowed her to create unique music that reflects her Caribbean heritage. Since the age of 3, Ross has developed her craft of singing and playing the piano. In 2006, Ross graduated from the world-renowned A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Throughout her career, she has been able to incorporate several styles of genres in her music, ranging from classical to R&B, as well as world music in several languages. Her hit single ``Konsa'' is emblematic of her unique talents, paying homage to her Haitian roots in its kompa production style.

Ross has brought her music around the globe--everywhere from the Ivory Coast to Jamaica--touching audiences worldwide. In addition, Ross also runs and operates her own independent music production company and has helped mentor young artists.

I am proud to represent Ross and her extensive artistic contributions to the Caribbean community and to the United States.

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