Congressman Dan Kildee Hosts Michigan Former Foster Youth for Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day

Marcus Batson From Flint Spends Day with Congressman in Nation’s Capital

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today hosted a Michigan former foster youth, Marcus Batson, from Flint, for Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill.

Launched in 2011, Foster Youth Shadow Day provides Members of Congress the opportunity to meet current and former foster youth to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the foster youth system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families throughout America. The day also provides an opportunity for current and former foster youth to learn the fundamentals of the U.S. Congress and experience a day in the life of a Member of Congress.

Congressman Kildee talks with Marcus Batson on how to improve the lives of children in the foster youth system in Michigan.

“As a former social worker, Michigan’s foster youth are close to my heart. Every child deserves a safe and supportive home, and Congress should work to improve our foster youth system to expand opportunities available for foster youth,” said Congressman Kildee. “Hosting Marcus today on Capitol Hill allowed me to learn first-hand about his experience in the foster youth system and discuss the ways the system can progress. I’m looking forward to working with Marcus and my colleagues in Congress to expand opportunities for foster youth in Michigan and across the country.”

Batson spent part of his childhood in foster care and now works to better the lives of children in the child welfare system. He studied Social Work at University of Michigan-Flint and is currently getting his Masters Degree in Public Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration. Batson has used his education and experience to give back to his community, currently working at Whaley Children’s Center, an organization that protects children in abusive or dangerous homes.

During their day on Capitol Hill, Batson attended constituent meetings with Congressman Kildee and a meeting with House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and other Members of Congress. He also attended a lunch with other current and former foster youths visiting Washington, D.C.

Congressman Dan Kildee is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, which unites over 130 Members of Congress—Republicans and Democrats—to examine the challenges facing all foster youth and develop bipartisan policy initiatives.

There are over 400,000 youth in the foster care system in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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