Commonwealth Policy Center

Kentucky has over 9,000 kids in foster care, but if House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade has his way, that number will dwindle. Meade is a foster parent himself and he’s trying to do all he can to make it easier for Kentuckians to help children who need foster families and forever homes. Meade sponsored the “Bill of Rights for Foster Children.” which secures 16 rights for the children in foster care. Meade said the new law “makes sure they are able to be involved in their case file, their court proceedings, and ensures that basic things like adequate food and shelter are provided. Another bill sponsored by Meade and enacted this year, gave foster parents the right to stand in court. These efforts put foster kids in a better position. And they put Kentucky on a path to leading the nation in foster care reform.