WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) welcomed 19-year old former foster child Eliana Puschett to Capitol Hill and discussed foster care reform with the Camden, New Jersey resident during the seventh annual Foster Youth Shadow Day.

“Eliana is a brave, intelligent young woman who remains positive and motivated, even during hard times – and everyone in South Jersey and around the country can learn from her strength. She is participating in Foster Youth Shadow Day to influence the debate on reforming our foster care system, and I am moved by her tenacity,” said Congressman Norcross. “Every child deserves love and security in their home, and it’s heartbreaking that so many experience hardships at such young ages. Whether dealing with parents or guardians struggling with the disease of addiction or being placed in a foster home with unacceptable conditions, millions of American children are in need of help.”

Norcross is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.

Norcross added: “During National Foster Care Month, I call on my colleagues to join me in listening to the strong voices of people like Eliana and vowing to improve our system for the betterment of our future generations.”

“I hope that the voices of the victimized will be enough to attempt to make a change, for it is clear that changes need to be made,” said Eliana Puschett. “As an orphan, a previous foster child and someone who has seen the effects of addiction and mental illness firsthand, I have certainly experienced my fair share of pain. Yet, I pride myself on knowing that I have risen above it in order to achieve personal greatness. Every child in the foster care system deserves the same chance and motivation, and the only way to provide that is through care and reform, which I am very determined to help accomplish.”=

About the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth

Launched in 2011, the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the child welfare system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families throughout the nation. Click here for more information about the caucus and a list of Members.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov