A Foster Youth 'Bill of Rights' Takes Shape in Minnesota
31 July, 2024
As reported by Alex Perez in NEWSLETTER The Imprint News, a team of over two dozen members is working to create a tailored bill of rights for foster youth in Minnesota. The group, comprising youth advocates, law school students, foster parent representatives, and state officials, has been hosting public meetings and gathering feedback from young people in government custody since April.
Clear and Comprehensive Rights
Hannah Planalp, Minnesota's Assistant Foster Youth Ombudsperson, emphasized the importance of having clear and comprehensive rights for foster youth. "Understanding your legal rights... helps Fosters and their supporters advocate more strongly for a better experience in foster care," she said.
Prioritizing Foster Youth Voices
The group aims to prioritize the voices of foster youth in the drafting process. "We need the perspectives of those who are more recently in foster care than us to lend their expertise about what is missing," Planalp noted.
Avoiding Vague Language
Tess Register, a law student, highlighted the importance of precise language in the bill. "Vague statutory terms" must be avoided to ensure the bill genuinely assists foster youth.
A Model for Other States
If enacted, Minnesota would become the 16th state to establish a bill of rights for foster youth. The effort follows significant steps in the state to better serve young people removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect.
Key Provisions
The proposed bill includes provisions such as:
- Fair complaint procedures
- Cellular communication rights
- Privacy rights
- Accessible therapy
- Confidential communications
A Work in Progress
The group is taking the time needed to ensure that as many foster youth as possible contribute to the drafting process. "Rather than prioritizing a particular time frame to bring this bill to the Legislature, we are prioritizing centering the voices of foster youth," said Register.
Source: NEWSLETTER The Imprint News, "A Foster Youth 'Bill of Rights' Now Being Drafted in Minnesota" by Alex Perez.
~ Appreciate your time in reading my blog! ~
| Full-time student | Foster care alumni | Entertainment Lawyer & Business Owner in Progress | Future Law Guardian | Multi-talented
Gløw AI Shopify: https://glowai.shop/
“Empowering Innovation, One Connection at a Time. Knowledge is Power. Power needs investment. Invest for generational wealth. Dive into statistical rewiring. Rewire your brain for wealth. Enlightenment is the key to unlocking true potential. Seek knowledge, embrace wisdom, and illuminate your path to success.”
Best regards,
Gløw AI
Clear and Comprehensive Rights
Hannah Planalp, Minnesota's Assistant Foster Youth Ombudsperson, emphasized the importance of having clear and comprehensive rights for foster youth. "Understanding your legal rights... helps Fosters and their supporters advocate more strongly for a better experience in foster care," she said.
Prioritizing Foster Youth Voices
The group aims to prioritize the voices of foster youth in the drafting process. "We need the perspectives of those who are more recently in foster care than us to lend their expertise about what is missing," Planalp noted.
Avoiding Vague Language
Tess Register, a law student, highlighted the importance of precise language in the bill. "Vague statutory terms" must be avoided to ensure the bill genuinely assists foster youth.
A Model for Other States
If enacted, Minnesota would become the 16th state to establish a bill of rights for foster youth. The effort follows significant steps in the state to better serve young people removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect.
Key Provisions
The proposed bill includes provisions such as:
- Fair complaint procedures
- Cellular communication rights
- Privacy rights
- Accessible therapy
- Confidential communications
A Work in Progress
The group is taking the time needed to ensure that as many foster youth as possible contribute to the drafting process. "Rather than prioritizing a particular time frame to bring this bill to the Legislature, we are prioritizing centering the voices of foster youth," said Register.
Source: NEWSLETTER The Imprint News, "A Foster Youth 'Bill of Rights' Now Being Drafted in Minnesota" by Alex Perez.
~ Appreciate your time in reading my blog! ~
| Full-time student | Foster care alumni | Entertainment Lawyer & Business Owner in Progress | Future Law Guardian | Multi-talented
Gløw AI Shopify: https://glowai.shop/
“Empowering Innovation, One Connection at a Time. Knowledge is Power. Power needs investment. Invest for generational wealth. Dive into statistical rewiring. Rewire your brain for wealth. Enlightenment is the key to unlocking true potential. Seek knowledge, embrace wisdom, and illuminate your path to success.”
Best regards,
Gløw AI
3