Requests the Department of Children and Family Services to study extending the age of foster care to age twenty-one.
If implemented, SCR10 would potentially lead to significant changes in state policies regarding foster care. It aims to address and mitigate the adverse outcomes that youth face upon aging out of the system. A panel of experts will be convened to assess the costs, benefits, and overall feasibility of providing support to foster youth until they are twenty-one, which could enhance their economic stability and emotional wellbeing. The report generated from this study is expected to be submitted to the legislature by February 1, 2019, detailing the findings and recommendations.
SCR10 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges the Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana to study the feasibility of extending foster care to youth up to the age of twenty-one. The resolution acknowledges the unique challenges faced by youth who age out of foster care at eighteen, such as homelessness, lack of healthcare, and insufficient educational support. It draws attention to the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, which permits states to receive federal reimbursement for such extensions, and notes that many other states have already enacted similar provisions.
The general sentiment around SCR10 appears to be supportive, especially among those concerned with child welfare and youth services. Advocates for extending foster care advocate for fostering a smoother transition into adulthood for these vulnerable youth. The resolutions reflect an understanding of the consequences many young adults face after leaving the system, indicating a compassionate approach to legislative action. However, the outcomes of the study and subsequent recommendations will determine the practical impact of such a resolution and the extent of legislative and public support required for implementation.
Notable points of contention surrounding SCR10 may arise from discussions about the costs associated with extending foster care and the structure of support services that would be needed. Additionally, varying opinions on governmental responsibilities toward youth and the effectiveness of existing support systems could emerge during the study phase. There could be stakeholders who question the feasibility of implementing such proposals without additional funding or legislative changes to ensure adequate resources for the proposed extended services.