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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 22, 2022 11:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David S. Hickernell |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resource (Foster) Family Legislation |
| In the past, legislation was enacted to assist children in foster care and support resource (foster) families who open their homes to care for children in need. The results have proven successful by increasing the number of resource families available by strengthening retention and recruitment and increasing the success rate of foster care placements. Specifically, in 2005, the General Assembly passed the Resource Family Care Act and the Resource Family and Adoption Process Act to provide resource families with practical support and information critical to their success. Essentially, the two acts gave families a place on the team and a voice in the process (though, notably, no legally enforceable rights or any rights bearing on the judicial process). Despite the modesty of the rights afforded, the laws had the effect of improving foster family engagement and satisfaction, which in turn led to higher rates of successful placements and retention of resource families. In short, it was a win for everyone. Over time however, some agencies have become less attentive to their duties under these laws and enforcement has been mixed. Many resource families are not even aware of their rights under the laws we passed. Since these laws were standalone acts, I believe the solution is to move their provisions into Consolidated Statutes (Title 67) which would require the Department of Human Service to promulgate regulations thereby ensuring compliance. Thank you for your consideration in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2426