STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2021) – State Rep. Dale DeVon's (R-Granger) legislation extending key foster care services to young adults during state emergencies is on the way to the governor for consideration as a new law.
The Indiana Department of Child Services offers Collaborative Care, the state's extended foster care program, to those ages 18 to 20 who voluntarily request to remain or re-enter into foster care. According to DeVon, young Hoosiers often choose to continue in the program after turning 18 in order to receive services related to health insurance, therapy and psychiatric treatment, rent and utility payments and more.
Over the last year, DeVon said those young Hoosiers who would have aged out of the program after turning 21 would have lost out on access to key services and support and been negatively impacted during the pandemic. Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order to prevent this from happening and allow DCS to continue offering Collaborative Care services for these youth. DeVon, chair of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, authored legislation this session to make sure youth in these situations don't fall through the cracks in the future.
"When there is an emergency, like what we witnessed this past year, we need to provide additional assistance to all Hoosiers – especially our most vulnerable," DeVon said. "This legislation ensures young adults can access key services during an already-tough transitional period that is compounded by a state emergency. Many of these young Hoosiers who receive collaborative care don't have anyone to turn to for guidance."
DeVon said his legislation would ensure those who turn 21 during a state of disaster emergency continue to receive those services for the duration of the declaration, despite aging out of the program.
If passed into law, House Enrolled Act 1536 would go into effect July 1, 2021. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
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