Foster youth would gain stated rights to care, safety, and support

The proposed section sets out rights about safety, daily care, privacy, and health care for foster youth. These rights cover children under 18 in foster care and people under 21 in extended foster care. Restraints would be allowed only for an immediate threat to life or bodily harm and under applicable law, and each use must be documented. Some rights depend on safety, age, or developmental needs; for example, bedroom access applies when safe and appropriate. The proposed section would take effect November 1, 2026, if enacted.

The proposed section sets out rights to support for family and community ties, education, and activities. These provisions concern foster youth, their siblings and relatives, their communities, and their education and activities. The family team would not have to support sibling and relative relationships when the agency documents a verifiable safety concern; the text describes alternative ways to preserve ties. Youth would have a right to take part in suitable activities without disability-based exclusion. Some support depends on what is possible and safe. The proposed section would take effect November 1, 2026, if enacted.

The proposed section sets out rights to money-related help, transition planning, benefit information, and action when rights are violated. These provisions cover foster youth, including eligible youth preparing to leave care or enter extended foster care. Automatic enrollment in extended foster care would apply only to youth who meet eligibility rules; a youth could decline by giving the caseworker a signed form. If a caseworker knows about a rights violation, the caseworker must try to address it as much as possible. If the caseworker caused it, the agency must do so. The proposed section would take effect November 1, 2026, if enacted.