Governors in Georgia and South Carolina have signed legislation to help older foster children.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed several pieces of legislation that were Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan’s legislative priorities.
Among the bills Kemp signed was HB424 titled the “Fostering Success Act”.
The bill creates a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit to help unadopted teens who age out of the foster care system when they turn 18 years of age.
“Each year, hundreds of aged-out foster youths fall into this vulnerable sector of Georgia’s population,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “The measure passed today creates an additional avenue to ensure our commitment to Georgia’s foster youth is fulfilled by positioning them to lead successful and gratifying lives.”
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An estimated $20 million dollars could be generated each year to help older foster children as they transition into adulthood by creating wraparound services including support for areas such as postsecondary education, medical and mental health care, housing and transportation.
Older foster children are one of the populations the Augusta Commission Task Force on Homelessness identified as being particularly vulnerable.
Daniel Evans, Planning Development Supervisor from Augusta’s Housing and Development department helped advise the Augusta Commission’s Task Force for Homelessness develop its strategic plan. He said foster children is one category they identified as needing help.
“That is a category of people that we encounter that has almost no natural support network,” he said. “And so, any institutional support you can create for people who may lack individual advocates on their behalf is the vital nature of that because so often we see people that are largely voiceless in that situation.”
South Carolina is also trying to help foster children who age out of the system when they turn 18 years old.
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Gov. Henry McMaster signed H3509 during a ceremony May 12 that included the Department of Social Services and members of the General Assembly.
The bill allows the state to draw down federal funding to create an extended, voluntary foster care program.
“By providing additional resources to our youth aging out of foster care we significantly increase their chance of success in adulthood and create a brighter future for all of South Carolina,” said McMaster. “This legislation will greatly improve the outcomes of our foster care system and I applaud Director Leach for his efforts in getting this legislation across the finish line.”
“Extending foster care until a youth’s 21st birthday, through this voluntary program, means invaluable added assistance for our youth as they begin to go out on their own,” said SCDSS Director Michael Leach. That support is crucial to making sure they get the strong start they need to be successful and productive adults. Today is just the beginning of their story and their future.”
The Palmetto State currently has a state-run program for youth aged 18-21 that have aged out of foster care. It is paid for with only state funds.
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In addition to the “Fostering Success Act,” Kemp also signed SB361, the “LESS” Crime Act. It establishes a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit for Georgia taxpayers to directly donate to their community’s public safety initiatives. It would be done through an affiliated law enforcement foundation and has a statewide cap of $75 million.
Another bill that was signed into law is SB403, the “Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act”. It promotes partnership between law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals. It creates the framework for joint response teams through the state’s Community Service Boards.
Duncan praised the signing of the legislation.
“Georgia’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse and hub for opportunity must be paired with diligently crafted legislation that sustains the expansive growth of our state,” said Duncan. “I commend Governor Kemp for moving forward these critical policies that will improve communities across Georgia and keep us on track for continued success.”
The full text of each Georgia bill is available online:
HB424 – https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59605
SB361 – https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61292
SB403 – https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61506
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
