Boback’s Bill to Assist Older Foster Youth Awaits Governor’s Signature After Senate Approval
HARRISBURG – A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) aimed at helping older foster youth in Pennsylvania find more permanent family connections passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday.
House Bill 1866 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
“It is imperative that we do all we can to help foster youth in Pennsylvania find a permanent family before reaching adulthood and, if that doesn’t happen, to ensure they at least have positive family and community connections,” said Boback. “My bill helps these young people to make the often difficult transition into adulthood with a support system in place. I am so pleased we were able to get it across the finish line before the end of the current legislative session.”
House Bill 1866 builds 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. The measure also ensures those requirements are fully and effectively implemented.
If signed, the new law would take effect in 60 days.