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Rep. Rubell introduces bill to extend foster support and allow separate standards for relatives
Summary
Representative Alana Rubell presented RS 32,364 to allow extended foster care beyond the current age cutoff and to let the department set different licensing standards for relatives and nonrelatives; the committee introduced the RS by voice vote.
Representative Alana Rubell, R‑18, told the committee RS 32,364 would change how the state provides foster‑care services by allowing longer access to care after age 21 and by permitting the Department of Health and Welfare to establish separate licensing standards for relatives who care for a child versus nonrelatives.
Rubell said children who age out of foster care face higher risks of incarceration and homelessness, and that “the longer we can give them access to foster care, the better the outcomes.” She also said the department supported flexibility to adopt different licensing requirements for relatives because many children are already living with grandparents or other family members and some nonessential licensing criteria may not be appropriate in those homes.
A motion to introduce RS 32,364 was made and the committee approved introduction by voice vote; the chair recorded an aye and the RS was introduced. Committee members asked for more information and said they expected agency participation at a full hearing; Rubell said the department had provided information and that the proposal had bipartisan interest due to an earlier bill that raised the cutoff from 18 to 21.
