Prior to the 2020 legislative session, Senate leaders teamed with Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan in a commitment to reform the state’s foster care system. Thursday, Senators gave overwhelming approval to Senate Bill 335 which paves the way for changes to the current system and strengthens support for foster families across the state.
“We have a definite need for changes to the foster care system, and I’m excited that we are moving forward with this,” said Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), sponsor of the bill. “I campaigned on foster care reform in 2016, and for four years I have had a difficult time getting others to talk about this. Now it’s great that our Governor and Lt. Governor are both committed to foster care reform. This is something that has been overlooked for too long.
“There is no doubt that this bill will open the door for more qualified individuals to take that next step and become foster parents or use respite fostering as a stepping stone into foster parenting and provide for Georgia’s children in need.”
According to Brass, SB 335 is designed to ensure that foster care cases move through Juvenile Court as expeditiously as possible by giving them priority status over all non-jury trials. It also would require Juvenile Courts to submit reports that document their compliance with the required prioritization. This data is designed to highlight problems experienced by Juvenile Courts and inform state leaders of any necessary changes or any need for re-allocation of resources. The state has had trouble tracking cases in the past, Brass said, and this would provide a tracking method.
SB 335 would also give authority to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to modify training requirements for experienced foster families and would allow child placement agencies to assist DFCS through expanded partnerships. Brass said the bill would also allow foster children and foster parents or guardians to visit state parks at no charge.
“Increasing support for our foster families has been a personal priority since I took office,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “SB 335 is the first bill of several reforms we intend to pursue in order to move the needle and positively impact Georgia’s children in need. With these changes that streamline our foster care system, we are inviting future generations of foster parents to take part in this life-changing process. I want to thank Sen. Brass for his work on this measure and I look forward to working together to see it become law.”
The bill passed by a 53-1 vote on the Senate floor, with Sen. Zahra Karinshak (D-Duluth) casting the lone “no” vote. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
