Governor Youngkin Signs Landmark Legislation to Strengthen Kinship Care in Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed House Bill 27 and Senate Bill 39 today, establishing the Parental Child Safety Placement Program. This new legislation codifies the practice of placing children with relatives, reinforcing Virginia’s commitment to a “Kin First” child welfare system. This legislation’s framework empowers local social services departments to place children with their families and relatives, ensuring better homes and outcomes for these children.

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at the Hanover County Administration Building on May 21, 2024. Official Photo by Austin Stevens, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

“Today, we celebrate a milestone over a decade in the making. An overwhelming collection of hearts have come together to demonstrate that working in partnership, we can fundamentally change lives,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This legislation represents a significant step forward in fulfilling Virginia’s commitment to improving the child welfare system and prioritizing the well-being of children in Virginia. By establishing a robust statutory framework centered on kinship care, we pave a pathway towards permanency for Virginia’s children, ensuring consistent practice across all local social services, incorporating safeguards, clear time frames, active family engagement, and consistent services for children, caregivers, and parents.”

Addressing Historical Struggles in Kinship Placement

The legislation aims to address Virginia’s historical struggles in placing children with kinship families upon entering foster care. Despite recent improvements, only 16% of children in foster care are placed with kinship families, far below the national average of 35%. Research indicates that children placed with relatives experience better behavioral and mental health outcomes, increased permanency, and greater stability, including the likelihood of remaining with siblings.

Voices of Support

“I am honored to take part in the passage of this historic kinship care bill. This legislation provides much-needed support to those entering kinship care arrangements. I’d like to thank everyone who assisted in helping this bill become law, including Senator Favola, UVA Law, Voices for Virginia’s Children, the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, VDSS administrators and staff, and many others who provided guidance and expertise all focused on a shared goal: creating better outcomes for children interacting with our foster care system,” said Delegate Katrina Callsen.

“I am proud to say that protecting our children and supporting families in crisis has been a successful bipartisan effort. It is incredibly important to establish and fund safety net programs that enable families to create stable and loving homes. Our children can only succeed when we as a society provide them with an environment where they can thrive,” said Senator Barbara Favola.

“Keeping families together is of utmost importance. I am proud to stand with my colleagues as Governor Youngkin signs SB39. This legislation enables us to support families in the most challenging circumstances, preventing children from being automatically placed into foster care. Together, we can ensure the best possible outcome for children and families across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Ryan McDougle.

Key Provisions and Goals

House Bill 27 and Senate Bill 39 aim to improve outcomes for children by prioritizing kinship care, ensuring children’s safety while preserving families, and honoring parents’ rights. The legislation mandates local departments of social services to submit exception reports, monitor barriers to kinship placements, and develop service plans for the children and their families. Additionally, financial support for kinship caregivers is provided, which is crucial for covering the costs of caring for children and addressing additional needs in the home.

By prioritizing kinship care and placement stability, HB 27 and SB 39 seek to protect children from the trauma of multiple placements and improve their overall well-being.