House bill would make life easier for foster kids

(Harrisburg) — A bill designed to make the lives of children in foster care a little less complicated has passed a state House committee.

Representative David Hickernell says his bill would give foster parents the authority to let their children participate in age-appropriate events without prior approval.  “The whole intent of this bill is really to put the foster child on an even playing field with other children in that family who may not be foster children,” Hickernell said.

For foster children, it can be a complicated process to play a sport, go on a field trip or sleep over at a friends house.  Those types of activities need to be approved by the county child welfare agency.

Some members of the House Children and Youth Committee voiced concern that foster children could be allowed to stay with other familys that don’t have background checks. Others suggested creating a pre-approved list of locations and people for the child at the county office.