Bill > HB584

This bill, titled "Provides relative to children in foster care," amends existing Louisiana law to rename the "Youth's Bill of Rights" to the "Privileges of Foster Youth" and expands these privileges to all children in foster care from birth to age eighteen, rather than just those aged fourteen and older. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is tasked with implementing and supporting these privileges, which include rights to privacy, court participation, a safe and stable environment, involvement in case planning, timely medical and mental health care, trauma-based counseling, contact with caseworkers and attorneys, communication with friends and family, educational support including tutoring and college information, access to information about learning disabilities and special needs, participation in extracurricular activities, remaining in their school of origin, driver's education, employment opportunities, freedom from discrimination, and access to independent living skills programs and their monthly allowance. Crucially, the bill also prohibits the use of garbage bags for moving belongings between foster homes, mandating instead the provision of durable and reusable luggage such as backpacks, boxes, duffel bags, or suitcases, with local social services districts and the DCFS responsible for providing this luggage and hosting donation drives.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=HB584&sbi=y