Join local foster care organizations Treehouse and The Mockingbird Society in support of HB 1128, which extends foster care to age 19. Passage of this bill would allow Washington to opt-in to the Federal Fostering Connections Act and provide safe homes for youth to age 19.
According to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, each year nearly 500 foster youth turn 18 and "age out" of the foster care system. Studies show that youth who have safe housing have much better outcomes than those who end up homeless or street involved. These youth deserve the same care, support and resources as youth from intact families to guide them on the path to adulthood.
To speak out about this issue, contact Rep. Ruth Kagi, chair of the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, at 360-786-7910 or ruth.kagi@leg.wa.gov. As well, contact your local legislators and ask that they support HB 1128, safe housing for youth aging out of foster care.
To learn more about this issue, visit The Mockingbird Society's web site.
