ARTICLE TAG

state legislation

California Governor to Decide on Family Reunification Bills, and More

9/7/2022

California Governor to Decide on Family Reunification Bills, and More

Bills on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk aim to prevent foster care removals due to poverty, better protect LGBTQ youth and reduce racial disparities.

Philadelphia Starts Ombuds Office for Youth in Residential Facilities

5/11/2022

Minnesota Bill to Create Foster Youth Ombuds Office Goes to Governor’s Desk

A bill approved by the Minnesota Legislature today would establish a new ombuds office — a watchdog agency to serve the interests of foster youth.

Youth Services Insider
In Utah, Three Youth-focused Laws Go Into Effect

5/2/2022

In Utah, Three Youth-focused Laws Go Into Effect

In Utah, three state laws will soon take effect that focus on youth — two pertaining to juvenile justice and child welfare, and a third regarding mental health.

Youth Services Insider
Nebraska Governor Signs Law to End Private Foster Care

4/26/2022

Nebraska Governor Signs Law to End Private Foster Care

Nebraska has ended a 12-year experiment in using private foster care in the state after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 1173.

Kinship Care Prioritized Under New Washington State Law

4/26/2022

Kinship Care Prioritized Under New Washington State Law

Washington state will now prioritize keeping children with relatives when both parents lose custody, under a new law signed last month. 

Youth Services Insider
Kansas House Rejects Bid to Eliminate Safety Net Hurdles; Senate May Add New Barrier

3/9/2022

Kansas House Rejects Bid to Eliminate Safety Net Hurdles; Senate May Add New Barrier

After Kansas lawmakers rejected a bill to expand access for food assistance in the House, the Senate is now considering a bill that would limit access.

    Youth Services Insider
    Advocates Say New Mexico Should do Better, in Response to Child Welfare Settlement Report

    2/16/2022

    New Mexico Bill to Bolster Legal Representation in Child Welfare Cases Advances to Senate

    Families and children in New Mexico could have greater access to better lawyers and advocates as they navigate the child welfare system under a bill passed by the House of Representatives.

    Kentucky Legislators Unanimously Pass Child Welfare Bill

    2/15/2022

    Kentucky Senate Advances Child Welfare Overhaul Bill

    A child welfare overhaul bill that recently sped through the Kentucky Senate would, in part, explicitly distinguish poverty from neglect.

    New York Governor Quietly Pitches Gun Violence Response That Includes Youth Justice Reform Rollbacks

    11/3/2021

    New York Governor Signs Retroactive Youthful Offender Bill

    Some people who were sentenced for crimes they committed when they were very young can now ask a judge for a second chance of sorts under a new law in New York state.