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09-01-2004, 08:50 AM
http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/090104/new_20040901044.shtml
Adoption research funds cut
By Kurt Erickson
kerickson@springnet1.com
SPRINGFIELD -- An adoption research center at Illinois State University will
operate on a limited basis while university officials lobby to keep it open.
The Center for Adoption Studies was formed in 1998 through a partnership with
the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In August, the state
decided to cut much of its funding.
But center director Jeanne Howard said ISU President Al Bowman and others are
working to try to restore some or all of the $480,000 that was cut.
"Our major funding was lost. But we have some additional small funding that is
allowing us to keep afloat," Howard said. "Our doors are not closing. We are
continuing to exist and continuing to do research and writing grants like
crazy."
But, she added, "it's been really, really, really crummy."
The lobbying effort comes as DCFS grapples with $78 million in cuts to its
budget as part of the overall state budget accord reached in late July.
An agency spokeswoman said cutting the center's funding was among many tough
choices that have been made in recent weeks.
The center's six employees conduct research on adoptees and their families to
find the best way to make them successful.
But a decline in the number of children in state-run foster-care programs
prompted the agency to determine the center's funding would have to go.
The first chance to get some money restored comes in early November, when the
General Assembly reconvenes for its fall veto session.
Howard said she hopes lawmakers restore what was cut.
"What we're doing is too important to stop," Howard said.
-------------------------
A good friend will come and bail you out of jail . . . but, a true friend will
be sitting next to you saying, "Damn . . . that was fun!"
-----Unknown
Adoption research funds cut
By Kurt Erickson
kerickson@springnet1.com
SPRINGFIELD -- An adoption research center at Illinois State University will
operate on a limited basis while university officials lobby to keep it open.
The Center for Adoption Studies was formed in 1998 through a partnership with
the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In August, the state
decided to cut much of its funding.
But center director Jeanne Howard said ISU President Al Bowman and others are
working to try to restore some or all of the $480,000 that was cut.
"Our major funding was lost. But we have some additional small funding that is
allowing us to keep afloat," Howard said. "Our doors are not closing. We are
continuing to exist and continuing to do research and writing grants like
crazy."
But, she added, "it's been really, really, really crummy."
The lobbying effort comes as DCFS grapples with $78 million in cuts to its
budget as part of the overall state budget accord reached in late July.
An agency spokeswoman said cutting the center's funding was among many tough
choices that have been made in recent weeks.
The center's six employees conduct research on adoptees and their families to
find the best way to make them successful.
But a decline in the number of children in state-run foster-care programs
prompted the agency to determine the center's funding would have to go.
The first chance to get some money restored comes in early November, when the
General Assembly reconvenes for its fall veto session.
Howard said she hopes lawmakers restore what was cut.
"What we're doing is too important to stop," Howard said.
-------------------------
A good friend will come and bail you out of jail . . . but, a true friend will
be sitting next to you saying, "Damn . . . that was fun!"
-----Unknown
