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2000 SESSION
005375480WHEREAS, although the foster care program attempts to assist in maintaining family unity, in some cases in which parents are unable to change conditions in the home, the placement of children in foster care may be necessary; and
WHEREAS, in most cultures, the practice of relatives, or kin, caring for children when their parents cannot is a time-honored tradition; and
WHEREAS, kinship care provides an opportunity to protect children and to meet their needs separate from their parents, yet with their families, while providing an extra measure of continuity and permanence; and
WHEREAS, kinship care must assure the safety and well-being of children and may encompass a variety of arrangements; and
WHEREAS, in some cases, grandparents and other suitable relatives may not pursue kinship care because they perceive obstacles, such as the need to have children declared wards of the state or financial restraints that preclude assuming additional expenses; and
WHEREAS, several states, including Wisconsin, Oregon and New York, have developed and evaluated kinship care programs and options; and
WHEREAS, some existing kinship care programs may contain options that may be mirrored successfully in the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study kinship care. The joint subcommittee shall be composed of nine members, which shall include seven legislative members and two ex officio members as follows: three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; four members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker; and one representative of the Department of Social Services and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court to serve ex officio.
In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall consider means to eliminate obstacles to appropriate kinship care while ensuring necessary monitoring.
The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $7,000 .
The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.
The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.
Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.