Bill would provide attorneys to young adults in DCF care

If it weren’t for the Center for Children’s Advocacy …

“What if I didn’t have somebody to advocate for me there?” Kai Greene asked during a recent public hearing before the Committee on Children at the state Legislative Office Building. “Sometimes you do need adults to contact an adult to get things done,” said Greene, who entered foster care at age 13.

A new proposal being considered by lawmakers would extend legal representation to young adults up to age 23 who are under DCF supervision.

Studies show that young people aging out of foster care are at great risk of dropping out of school, being homeless, not having a job, spending time in prison and having long-term, untreated mental health issues. They are currently without any legal representation, facing adult-sized problems on their own,” said Center for Children’s Advocacy attorney Stacy Schleif. “Providing vulnerable youth with attorneys would help them navigate complicated state systems and give them an advocate with DCF or in court.”

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