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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Phyllis Mundy |
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House unanimously approves Mundy's bill to protect foster children from abuse, neglect
HARRISBURG, May 4 – The full House of Representatives today unanimously approved state Rep. Phyllis Mundy's bill (H.B. 2338) that would ensure the protection of Pennsylvania foster children, sending it to the state Senate for consideration.
"Children who have been removed from their homes – often through no fault of their own – deserve protections," said Mundy, D-Luzerne. "May is National Foster Care Month and there is no better time to provide uniform standards to protect these vulnerable children, not to mention clear guidelines for their caregivers."
House Bill 2338 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.
"This bill is not a reflection on the many wonderful foster families who provide loving care and support to vulnerable, at risk-children," she said. "Rather, it is an acknowledgment that more can be done to prevent abuses that do occur despite the best intentions."
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 foster children.
A number of other states, including California, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island, have passed similar legislation.