Foster care education bill passes through House unanimously

On Thursday, a bill seeking to ensure the needs of foster care students are met passed through the House with a 91-0 vote.

House Bill 312, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, seeks to empower teachers and schools with the information they need to help Kentucky’s foster kids be successful in the classroom.

Meade explained in committee that the bill would work to ensure children are in a safe environment by not placing children in foster homes that have been closed or is under corrective action. It would also take other key needs into consideration when a child is removed from a foster home including their education and personal needs while in school.

The legislation would strengthen the sharing of academic information between school districts about foster children when they must enter a new school and would require a child’s caseworker to communicate directly with the new school when critical placement and service decisions are made.

Confidential information pertaining to the student will also be protected and the bill will help make sure that children are being placed in quality foster homes that are able and willing to do what is necessary to support the child’s education.

House Bill 312 now moves to the Senate for consideration in committee.