We kicked off the week with our partners, Voices for Virginia’s Children and Virginia Poverty Law Center for advocacy day! We had about 20 community partners, families and children join us as we spoke to legislators about issues facing children in foster care and those who have aged out of foster care. Some of those legislators included Delegate James, Senator Barker, Senator Mason, Delegate Ingram, Delegate Aird, Delegate Garrett, Delegate Brewer, Delegate Landes, Delegate Stolle and Delegate Carroll Foy. We talked with these legislators about the implementation of Families First Prevention Services Act, the Foster Care Omnibus package and legislation relating to driver’s licenses of youth in foster care. Thank you to all of the legislators who were willing to meet with us this morning to hear firsthand from families facing these issues.

We were also very thankful to have Delegate Peace introduce Children’s Home Society of Virginia, as well as Better Housing Coalition, on the House floor toady. Delegate Peace has been a long-time advocate for children and also co-chairs our Panel of Experts, which is currently working to identify policy recommendations to help youth who have aged out of foster care.

Thank you to everyone who faced the cold weather and joined us for advocacy day! If you weren’t able to attend today but are interested in joining us at the General Assembly to advocate for issues around foster care and adoption, email Cassie Baudeán at [email protected]. Stay tuned as we move through Week 3 of session!