Title
Authorizing the Joint Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings on adoption and foster care policies and programs in the City of Philadelphia, and to explore ways to improve the process by decreasing wait times, implementing strategies to reduce the number of children that age out of the system, and address concerns that discourage people from considering adoption.
Body
WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania, there are approximately 20,000 children in foster care with an average stay of 25.4 months; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, approximately 3,000 children come into out-of-home care each year. Of these children, 36 percent are placed in foster homes with non-relatives, 9.5 percent live in group homes, approximately 20 percent live in institutions, and 25 percent are placed with relatives; and
WHEREAS, Children in the child welfare system face many obstacles, such as a lack of stability, adult advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and deficient life skills instructions, all of which can lead to deleterious outcomes in both childhood and adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Temporary placement can be the right option while the family and social workers work together to build upon a family's existing strengths, address concerns before the child is reunited with the family; however, frequently a child can not be reunited and in those cases, adoption can be an appropriate option to provide permanency, support, and care for the child; and
WHEREAS, Every year in Pennsylvania, 1,000 children "age out" of the system, meaning that they turn 18 years old and are therefore ineligible for adoption or foster care. Children at this point often struggle to find the appropriate care, services, and support for their unique needs including housing, financial literacy, employment, and educational training opportunities; and
WHEREAS, To protect children from aging out of the system, a child's situation should be honestly evaluated so ...
Click here for full text