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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Ruth
A. Myers |
State Rep. Phyllis
Mundy |
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Mundy proposal would protect foster children
HARRISBURG, March 8 – A proposal reintroduced by state Rep. Phyllis Mundy to ensure the protection of Pennsylvania foster children was unanimously approved by the House Children and Youth Committee today.
House Bill 302, also known as the Children in Substitute Care Act, addresses the basic needs that weigh greatly in a child’s quality of life, including:
- the right to live in a safe and healthy home;
- access to routine medical care;
- access to a quality education;
- access to life skills training to ease the transition to adulthood;
- ability to express one’s ethnicity and culture; and
- safety from all types of mental, physical, sexual or emotional harassment and abuse.
Under the legislation, a copy of the act must be provided to every foster family and child whenever a placement is made and also posted in areas where youth tend to congregate.
“This legislation was inspired by heart-breaking testimony that I heard as a member of the Task Force on Services to Children and Youth from former foster children who suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of those responsible for caring for them,” Mundy said. “Children within the foster system need to know that we are aware of their concerns, and that there are adults who are watching out for their best interests and working to protect them from danger.”
Mundy noted that the bill is not a reflection on the many wonderful foster families who provide loving care and support to vulnerable, at risk-children. Rather, she remarked that it is an acknowledgment that more can be done to prevent abuses that do occur despite the best of intentions.
A number of other states, including California, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island, have already passed similar legislation. The measure now awaits further consideration by the full House of Representatives.
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