Florida’s just-passed foster care reforms took the spotlight at the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.
Among those speaking to a Ways and Means subcommittee: Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins and state Senator Nancy Detert, sponsor of two bills this year revamping the foster care system.
Detert said the first bill gives foster parents more say and the state less, so that foster kids can live normal lives.
"We also did another huge bill that is yet to be signed by the governor – but he will sign it – extending foster care to age 21 for no new money", said Detert.
Wilkins said the state wants foster parents who will get their foster kids to soccer practice and make sure they perform in school.
DCF is moving to recruit parents via a public relations campaign and a faith-based initiative.