Senator Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester) and Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) are sponsoring what’s being called the “Foster Youth Bill of Rights”. The lawmakers said the bill will give at least 15,000 children in the state’s custody more knowledge about their options, and give them more of a voice in their care. The bill is similar to laws passed in 20 other states.
Maharath was herself in foster care as a kid. She said children in the system need this legislation.
“The rights established in this bill would help keep foster youth safe, healthy, and cared for while in the foster youth system. It’s also going to help educate foster youth of their rights,” said Maharath.
There are 31 rights listed in the bill, from being free from abuse to having privacy to living in a clean and safe environment. Maharath and Fedor said they worked with former foster care children and their advocates when coming up with this legislation.
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