May 23, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A bill to help foster children transition into adulthood is one step closer to being a state law, after approval by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday.
The legislation is sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey, Maryville. In a statement, he said Senate Bill 2199 would help bridge the gap for those in foster care from the teenage years to adulthood by assuring the Transitioning Youth Act continues for future years.
The vote to approve the proposal, which is part of Governor Bill Haslam’s legislative package, came Wednesday after lawmakers heard testimony from Country Music singer Jimmy Wayne about his experience in the foster care system.
In the release, Senator Overbey said, “Young people who age out of foster care face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood on their own.”
He also stated, “Most importantly, this bill would give youth in foster care a better opportunity to live successful and fulfilling lives by continuing this program until age 21. However, it has a secondary impact on our bottom line in terms of societal costs, including the impact it has on early pregnancy, earnings potential and incarceration costs.”
This would be a program for ages 18 to 21, after they age out of the foster care system. The funds to continue the program are included in Governor Haslam’s proposed 2012-2013 budget.
