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Senate unanimously approves bill establishing rights for foster children and requiring DCS rulemaking
Summary
Senate Bill 1015 sets six basic rights for children in DCS custody, requires the department to implement those rights via administrative rulemaking and to provide training and materials; the bill passed unanimously on third reading (31‑0).
Senator Gardenhire and Senator Hale described and supported Senate Bill 10 15, which, as amended, sets six basic rights for children in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services and requires DCS to implement the rights through rulemaking and training.
Senator Hale said the bill was brought by a former foster youth, Ella Brennan, who helped shape the measures and testified in committee. The rights listed on the floor include access to education appropriate to age and needs, appropriate medical and mental‑health care, living in a safe and healthy environment, the ability to report rights violations without retaliation, and access to legal representatives and confidential communications.
Senators adopted the judiciary amendment, debated the bill briefly, and then approved the measure on third and final consideration (ayes 31, no nays). After the vote, the sponsor introduced Ella Brennan to the body and asked colleagues to applaud her work on the legislation.
The bill directs DCS to finalize rules and training materials; sponsors said implementation will require administrative rulemaking and coordination with foster‑care stakeholders.
