STATEHOUSE (Dec. 21, 2017) – State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) today announced he will author a bill during the 2018 legislative session that would require the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) to enact a foster parent bill of rights.
The legislation would require DCS to form a working group made of current foster parents, child-placing agencies and other individuals and organizations with expertise in foster care services. The group would develop and update a statement of the rights and responsibilities of a foster parent. DCS would also be required to develop a plan to distribute to current and prospective foster parents, and make the document available to the public on the department’s website.
“Foster parents put an incredible amount of time, energy and love into the children they foster,” Ford said. “After multiple meetings with foster parents and the DCS this past summer, the foster parent bill of rights was brought to our attention. There needs to be an outlined set of rights to inform the foster parents of their privileges within the child welfare system.”
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a foster parent bill of rights has been enacted in 17 states.
Ford plans to file the legislation when the Senate reconvenes in January.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Jon Ford is available by clicking here.
Contact: Lauren Beatty, Press Secretary
lauren.beatty@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
