Senator Justus’ Measure Addressing Youth in Foster Care Moves to the House

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration after receiving the Senate’s final passage today. 

Senate Bill 208 raises the age for foster care re-entry from 18 to 21.  Foster kids currently can remain in state care until 21; however, if they leave after turning 18, they are not allowed to return to state jurisdiction.  This bill would correct that loophole. 

“Right now a child is eligible to remain in the foster care system until age 21; however, the problem is several of these kids, because they are teenagers, make the decision to leave foster care at 18,” said Sen. Justus.  “After leaving the system and time goes by, these individuals realize they need to return to the foster care system and regain use of the safety net services that were available to them.”

Sen. Justus continues, “This is similar to instances when young individuals go off to college for one or two years or go out into the real world and all of the sudden realize they need to move back home with their parents and get their life in order.  In this case, the state is the parent.”

Sen. Justus’ legislation received unanimous approval from her colleagues in the upper chamber.  Final approval in the House would send the measure to the governor and would take effect on Aug. 28 with his signature.