Making a difference in the lives of foster children
There are few things more heartbreaking than an innocent child who is unable to live at home because of health or safety concerns, but we can still make sure that child finds a positive path in life.
That’s where the foster care system comes in. Foster families can make an incredible difference in the lives of children, particularly if those foster parents are members of the child’s family. But under current law, family members are ruled out as foster providers if they have small or very old offenses in their backgrounds. This is unfair for everyone but has an outsized impact on children and communities of color.
That’s wrong. We believe in second chances. If people have done their time, demonstrated remorse, or completed rehab, their minor infractions should not follow them around forever.
In the world of adoption, minor offenses in a relative’s past are not disqualifying. That’s the right approach, and we should use it for foster care too. That’s what my bill does. It’s a common-sense improvement that will make a big impact on countless children, especially children of color, who are in foster care.
There are other benefits: children have much better long-term outcomes when they remain with relatives in foster care and stay connected to their families. These outcomes include better high school graduation rates, reduced risk of mental health disorders, and less trauma.
The most important goal is to place children in safe, permanent homes. The inconsistency and uncertainty in our current laws prevent loving, dedicated, hardworking people from becoming foster parents. With my straightforward bill, we can help more of these folks become foster providers and keep countless children on a successful path.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or feedback. Feel free to contact me any time at sen.julie.rosen@senate.mn.