Representative Lisa Subeck Proposes Grants to Support Foster Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: November 28, 2017 CONTACT: Zach Madden, 608-266-7521(office) 608-620-3884 (cell)   Representative Lisa Subeck Proposes Grants to Support Foster Families Legislation to create support fund introduced as part of Foster Care Task Force “Foster Forward” legislative package   MADISON – Today, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced LRB-4929 which would establish a foster family support fund that would serve as a grant program for counties, nonprofits and other organizations to support foster families.  Representative Subeck served as a member of the Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care. LRB-4929 is part of the task force’s Foster Forward package of bills to improve Wisconsin’s foster care system.   “Wisconsin faces a shortage of foster care placements and a rising number of children in out of home care. We struggle to recruit and retain foster families, as even the most committed families face challenges in providing normalcy for the children in their care,” said Rep. Subeck. “This legislation will help us retain foster families and support foster children by providing flexible funding that may be used for necessary resources, specialized training to meet individual needs, and to cover expenses that help foster children achieve normalcy.”   LRB-3860 would create a grant program for counties, non-profits, and tribes to fund initiatives that support foster families as they strive to provide normalcy for Wisconsin’s foster care population. These grants could be used to assist efforts in retaining existing foster parents, expanding education for foster parents, and reimbursements for expenses related to providing normalcy for foster children.   “Due to the complex needs of children in foster care, families caring for these children sometimes need individualized training. And like other families, foster families face additional expenses for extra-curriculars, sports, and field trips, but foster care payments generally cover only basic care and support,” said Rep. Subeck. “Whether it covers the cost of a music program, fees and equipment to play football, or the money needed to go on a school field trip, these grants will enable foster families to ensure their foster children have the same opportunities as other children. This bill and the Foster Forward package of bills are important first steps in improving the lives of children and families in our foster care system.”   A copy of the bill is attached. ###