Please support HB 1735 and SB 5740

I am asking for readers’ support of House Bill 1735 and Senate Bill 5740.

Your support is needed to help “finish the job” and fully implement Extended Foster Care (EFC). So far EFC has been successfully implemented for four out of the five eligibility categories allowed by the federal government. The last group that remains is unfortunately the most vulnerable of the vulnerable — youth with documented medical conditions that prevent them from participating in school, work, or other programs that would help them obtain employment.

This session, we are asking the Legislature to ensure that ALL young people aging out of care can access safe and stable housing through EFC by adding the final eligibility category.

As the legislative session continues, please be sure to write your legislators in support of HB 1735 and SB 5740.

The opportunity to guarantee stability for these foster youth is an act of pursuing social justice for youth who may not have previously experienced justice.

Lorri Hanson

Spokane