Philadelphia Council Members Approve New Safeguards For Children Placed Into Foster Care
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (CBS) - City Council has approved new safeguards for families of children placed into Philadelphia's foster care system, including requirements for reporting abuse.
As City Council winds down its spring session, members approved two bills related to children in difficult home environments. The first, sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones, involves foster care families and has two main components.
"One, a little bit more stringent selection of foster parents. And, the rights to siblings to interject and have comment on where their brother, sister or relative are placed," said Councilman Curtis.
The second measure approved Thursday, sponsored by Councilman Bill Green, requires the Department of Human Services to enact and enforce what is essentially a bill of rights for children to protect them from abuse.
Case workers will be required to inform every child in the system of those rights. Both bills are expected to be signed by the mayor.
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio
