Friday, February 10, 2012

New Opportunities for Foster Kids in WA

The House marked Youth Advocacy Day in Olympia by passing House Bill 2592, which opens the doors of higher education for foster care children in Washington State. The bill, prime-sponsored by Representative Mary Helen Roberts, extends foster care services for youth aged 18-21 that are enrolled in a postsecondary or vocational education program.
The legislation builds upon the successful Foster Care to 21 program established in 2006. In 2008, lawmakers at the federal level passed the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act which provides federal matching funds for similar programs at the state level. HB 2592 makes necessary changes to Foster Care to 21 in order for our state to be eligible for these federal dollars.
The bill now heads over to the Senate for their consideration.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.

Apture