Oct. 04, 2021
HARRISBURG– Statutory and procedural rights of foster parents was the topic of conversation during a hearing of the House Children and Youth Committee today, according to Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), chairman of the committee.
“Without a doubt, foster parents are a blessing to children in Pennsylvania, and it is my responsibility as chair of the Children and Youth Committee to ensure that rights of a foster parent fair and balanced so they have a voice for children in their care,” said Delozier.
In testimony, the Honorable Jennifer L. Rogers from Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, explained the combination of trauma, time and relocation placement between a foster parent and child based on the case of Burns v. Department of Human Services (2018).
In addition, Garry Krentz, Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association’s past president, legislative chair and policy advisor gave testimony.
“The good news is we have many good statutes in Pennsylvania to support resource parents in practice and procedural rights, said Krentz. “The not so good news is the lack of implementation on many of these.”
“Once again, we have heard from families, both foster and biological, who are frustrated with the inequity in which regulations are enforced in the 67 counties,” said Delozier. “The issues of standing and foster parent rights are important to the safety and happiness of many children across the state. It is incumbent on the state government to give to those who open their homes to a child a voice in the process.”
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives