Posted: | February 4, 2013 03:06 PM |
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From: | Representative Dan Moul |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Family Finding |
I am preparing to re-introduce legislation that will amend the Public Welfare Code to require counties to conduct ongoing efforts to find family for children who become involved with a county Children and Youth Agency. Some children who receive services from a Children and Youth Agency may have to be removed from their homes, and may be able to remain at home while their parents work to address the concerns that led them to become involved with the child welfare system. Either way, having a strong network of family (used broadly to include adult relatives and anyone who has a significant positive relationship with the child) support to help rectify concerns for the safety, permanency, and well-being for a child. Family finding is a vital tool that can identify and build positive connections between a child and his family and create a network of extended family support for the child during what is typically a very difficult time in his life. Under my legislation, counties would be required to conduct family finding to build these networks of support for children involved with a Children and Youth Agency. Family finding would be conducted when the child is accepted for service by a county Children and Youth Agency, and at least annually until the child’s involvement with Children and Youth is terminated. NOTE: This is a revised version of prior session HB 2499. The Children and Youth Committee held a hearing on HB 2499, and the legislation has been updated based on stakeholder feedback. Prior Session Sponsors: MOUL , BISHOP , CALTAGIRONE , DAVIS, DeLUCA , GEIST , GOODMAN, GROVE, HESS , HORNAMAN , KORTZ , MILLER , MUNDY , MURT , PICKETT , READSHAW , SAYLOR , TOOHIL, WATSON , QUINN , EVERETT and HENNESSEY |
Introduced as HB1075