Pack applauds committee passage of bill helping foster children have permanent homes

INDIANAPOLIS – Today (Jan. 25), the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee passed House Bill 1310 with unanimous support from committee members. The bill states that if a child is removed from their parents for at least 12 of the most recent 22 months during a periodic case review, the child's case plan must include at least one intended permanent or long-term arrangement for care and custody of the child.

“Today in committee, we heard powerful testimonies from foster parents who are trying to do right by the children in their care. However, they are often barred from doing so because of our current regulations,” State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) said. “It is crucial our state does everything in its power to support these foster parents and their children, not stand in their way.

“House Bill 1310 will help more foster children get into permanent homes. When children are uprooted from their lives, they are not being set up for success. This bill ensures that long-term arrangement for a child must include a plan of will serve as a guardian if reunification is not possible.

“The protection of Hoosier children is always a top priority for our legislature. Vulnerable children should not be ripped away from where they feel safe and loved. They deserve stability and safety, not uncertainty and constant fear of being taken away from their homes, schools and friends. Our goal is to ensure children aren't repeatedly returned to unsafe environments or shuffled endlessly through the foster care system. I am proud to support HB 1310 to help these kids remain where they are valued, respected and loved.”