Senate committee forwards bill to extend foster-care support from 21 to 23

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 245 — a bill that would extend the age at which young people may voluntarily access foster-care supports from 21 to 23 — to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Committee members heard testimony from former foster youth, foster parents, providers and Department of Health and Welfare staff before the motion passed. The motion to send the bill to the floor was moved by Senator Blaylock and seconded by Senator Harris; one senator announced a “no” during discussion, and the committee proceeded with a due-pass recommendation.

Supporters said the extra two years provide a narrowly targeted runway for young people whose childhoods were disrupted by abuse, neglect or instability. Former foster youth described how services and modest financial supports paid while in extended care helped them keep housing, stay in school and access medical care; they and advocacy…