May 2019 Foster Care Special Edition

ENVISION EQUITY MAY 2019
members of society. I believe the persons who formed this bill of rights had the same vision
as myself because it continues to support that theme.
Normal growth is addressed frequently throughout this bill of rights in a number of ways
such as a stable educational setting, being allowed to participate in extra-curricular
activities, the right to see and speak with family and friends. Young people who grow up out
of care are normally permitted to these rights and foster youth have longed for them for a
long time. I have been told time and time again by individuals in care that they are so heavily
restricted on who they can talk to and see that they are not able to maintain friendships and
are often incredibly isolated. I hope to see this change as these rights become law.
The one underlying theme that I saw as I read through the bill of rights was hope. Often
enough youth in care do not have any hope and feel lost. I hope that seeing our law makers
recognize the need for these rights in legislation will show that they care about these young
peoples’ futures. Until the day this bill goes into effect youth in foster care legally have no
rights. Policies are in place suggesting these rights exist but those hold no legal standing.
Every member of the Senate and House who voted on this bill was in its favor showing me
that Kentucky cares about its youth!
15