SAINT PAUL, MN – On Wednesday, Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, passed her legislation, the Foster Care Sibling Bill of Rights, as part of more expansive legislation related to foster care. The bill, HF3265, passed on a unanimous vote of 120-0.
The Foster Care Sibling Bill of Rights would create guidelines to help keep foster youth connected with their siblings who are in the care of different foster parents. It does so by promoting close connections for foster siblings (when it is in the best interest of each sibling), including visits, phone calls, and taking part in important celebrations like birthdays.
“The unanimous vote in support of this foster care legislation shows that this is an issue that transcends political party or ideology,” said Bennett. “My hope is to make the difficult process of foster care a little easier for siblings who are in the care of different foster parents. I was fortunate to have the support of Sasha Martin and Breanna Buckhalton – two incredible young women with experience growing up in foster care who helped create this provision. Thank you to Sasha and Breanna for sharing their stories, and helping the Foster Care Sibling Bill of Rights pass in the House.”
Rep. Bennett recognizing the work of Breanna Buckhalton (left) and Sasha Martin (right) for their role in helping create and advance the Foster Care Bill of Rights.
Now passed by the House, HF3265 heads to the Senate.
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