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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Phyllis Mundy |
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Mundy, Pa. Partnerships for Children seek to protect foster children from abuse, neglect
HARRISBURG, March 16 – During a news conference at the state Capitol today, state Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, along with Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and two alumni of Pennsylvania’s foster care system urged passage of Mundy's Children in Foster Care Act, which would ensure the protection of Pennsylvania foster children.
Mundy's bill 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 and services to ease the transition to adulthood; and
· freedom from harassment, corporal punishment, unreasonable restraint, and physical, sexual, emotional and other abuse.
Under the legislation, a copy of the act would have to be provided to every foster family and child whenever a placement is made.
"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 said.
Mundy has introduced legislation in previous sessions in response to testimony she heard from former foster children eight years ago as a member of the Joint State Government Commission's Task Force on Services to Children and Youth. In its report, "Children and Youth Services Delivery System in Pennsylvania," the task force made recommendations to the General Assembly for preventing the abuse and neglect of the state's foster children.
"It is critical that we establish this act to assure that clear and concise information is made available on the basic protections for children in foster care in Pennsylvania," said Joan L. Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "The lives of 31,000 vulnerable children will be positively impacted by this legislation and we support it wholeheartedly."
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 intentions.
A number of other states, including California, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island, have passed similar legislation.
"Over the years, I have worked hard to help ensure the protection of Pennsylvania’s foster children from abuse and neglect. As an active member of the Porch Light Project, a Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children initiative, I am also working to ensure these children realize their full potential and achieve better outcomes after leaving the foster care system," Mundy said.
More information about Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is available by visiting www.papartnerships.org.
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