Bishop urges Senate to approve bill to protect foster children from abuse and neglect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop
D-Philadelphia
www.pahouse.com/Bishop
Bishop urges Senate to approve bill to protect foster children from abuse and neglect

HARRISBURG, May 10 – State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop, D-Phila., said she is urging members of a state Senate committee to approve legislation that would help to protect foster children in Pennsylvania.

The House passed the legislation (H.B. 2338), which she co-sponsored. The bill is part of a package of four foster care bills that would improve the outcomes for children in foster care and ensure an on-going relationship with siblings, adult relatives and grandparents.

Bishop said under the bill, private and public agencies would be required to explain grievance policies and procedures to foster children and their families.

"It is important that foster children have access to routine medical care, have the opportunity to get a quality education and most importantly, be free of harassment, punishment or physical and mental abuse," Bishop said. "This bill would require foster children and their families to be informed so they are aware of their rights."

Meanwhile, Bishop, who is chairwoman of the House Children and Youth Committee, said the remaining three bills still await consideration by the full House.

Bishop is the prime sponsor of one of those. She said that bill would require the state to implement transition plans for youth aging out of foster care and permit the court to extend foster care for youth after they turn 18 up to age 21 if they meet the criteria.

The other two bills would require the county children and youth agencies to make reasonable efforts to place siblings together in foster care and allow for court-ordered visitation if joint placement is not feasible, and require the agencies to notify adult grandparents and adult relatives within 30 days after a dependent child is placed in foster care.
http://www.pahouse.com/PR/192051010.asp