Sen. Formica Urges Support for Bill Inspired by Foster Care Youth

March 6, 2018

Formica_TestimonyMarch6

Today State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) testified before the state’s Committee on Children in support of Senate Bill 323 An Act Requiring Notice Prior to the Transfer of a Child to a New Out-of-Home Placement.

This bill would require the Department of Children and Families to notify children before they are transferred to a new out-of-home placement so that they can prepare for transfers in the foster care system.

Sen. Formica asked the committee to raise this bill after he met with a  group of current and former foster youth advocates who came to the Capitol this year as part of Youth at the Capitol Day, organized by CT Voices for Children. At this event, Sen. Formica spoke with many young people who were part of the state’s foster care system who discussed their own personal experiences including transitioning between foster homes, group homes, and other residential placements. One of their recommendations was to improve the system by addressing notification time between transfers, as this bill now proposes.

“The children and young adults who spoke out about their experiences in foster care at Youth at the Capitol Day demonstrated a great deal of strength and bravery in sharing their stories. It is my hope that their stories will be able to help others, and this legislation is one way to address the very concerns they raised,” said Formica.

Under this bill, DCF would be required to provide written notice to a child at least ten days prior to a home transfer. The exception for notification would be if there is an emergency situation that requires a child be moved immediately.

To follow this bill throughout the legislative session visit https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2018&bill_num=323.

Senator Paul Formica (R-20) represents the communities of Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford. For more information visit www.senatorformica.com.