I was pleased to get a note this week announcing that Congressman Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, has been awarded the Child Welfare League of America’s Congressional Voice for Youth Award. He was singled out for his work protecting vulnerable children, particularly those in foster care. That's terrific news.

“When my wife and I adopted our son and daughter eight years ago, I learned firsthand how much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable young people in our country," Cardoza said, accepting the award. "Hearing the stories of young people, like those gathered here today, redoubles my commitment to improving their lives.”

During this session of Congress, Cardoza has introduced three pieces of legislation to help vulnerable young people:

* The Medicaid Foster Care Coverage Act that would extend Medicaid coverage for foster children who have aged out of the system by authorizing state health coverage through the age of 21 as they transition to adulthood.

* The CASA for Every Child Act would help ensure that every foster child is assigned a trained CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer to investigate a foster child’s unique situation and advocate for the child’s best interest.

* The Drug Endangered Children Act, which has been passed by the House, authorizes the Department of Justice to award $20 million per year in grants to improve coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, children protection services, social service agencies, and health care providers to help transition drug endangered children into safe residential environments.

The Child Welfare League of America is composed of nearly 800 public and private child-serving agencies that promote the well-being of children.

It's good to have a Valley Congressman so eager to fight for kids with little political power.

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