April 11 Schedule for Shay Bilchik, President & CEO, Child Welfare League of America

4/10/2002

From: Joyce L. Johnson of the Child Welfare League of America 202-942-0244

News Advisory:

April 11, 2002 Schedule for Shay Bilchik, President & CEO Child Welfare League of America

Light of Hope Commemoration on the National Mall 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bilchik will light one of the more than 8,000 candles to be lit symbolizing the number of children reported abused and neglected each day. He will also view the children's art exhibit and be available for media interviews. This daylong event is sponsored by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.

Congressional Testimony -- Room 1100 Longworth House Office Building 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bilchik has been scheduled to testify before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives at a hearing on Welfare Reform Reauthorization Proposals. Bilchik will discuss the need for the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to focus on child well-being, work requirements and how they will affect children, the link between Title IV-A of the Social Security Act and the child welfare system, child care, and the impact of substance abuse on families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. Full copies of Bilchik's testimony are available by contacting Joyce Johnson at 202-942-0244 or by e-mail at jjohnson@cwla.org

Closing Session: Light of Hope Event 5:20 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bilchik will speak during the official closing ceremony of the Light of Hope program on the National Mall between 4th & 7th Streets, NW.

Established in 1920, the Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. Headquartered in Washington, DC, CWLA strives to advance sound public policy on behalf of the more than three million abused, neglected, and vulnerable children served by 1,200 public and private member agencies. CWLA conducts research, develops standards of best practice, hosts regional and national conferences, provides comprehensive, field-based consultation and professional development services, and is the largest publisher of child welfare materials in North America.

For additional information about any of the activities listed above, please contact Joyce Johnson at the number and e-mail address listed above.