Rep. Boback’s Bill to assist older foster youth passed by Housb

WILKES-BARRE —State Rep. Karen Boback Tuesday said young people who leave the child welfare system without having adults in their lives to provide assistance often end up in jail or homeless.

“My bill would give foster youth every possible opportunity to find a permanent family during this critical transition period,” said Boback,R-Harveys Lake.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Boback that would help older foster youth in Pennsylvania to find more permanent family connections, was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on Monday.

According to information provided by rep. Boback’s office, House Bill 1866 would build on existing state requirements that foster youth receive counseling and other services as they grow older, including the identification of family members who may be willing to assume a primary caretaker or other supportive role.

Rep. Boback’s proposal would also ensure those requirements are fully and effectively implemented.

The bill will next be considered by the Senate.