Bachmann Introduces School Choice for Foster Kids Act

Press Release

Bachmann Introduces School Choice for Foster Kids Act

Bipartisan Bill Creates New Opportunities for Foster Children

Today, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) introduced the School Choice for Foster Kids Act, bipartisan legislation to help foster children gain access to quality, stable educations earlier in life.

Currently, when foster children change homes, many must transfer schools if their new home is located in a different school district. The bipartisan School Choice for Foster Kids Act would give states the flexibility to make younger foster children eligible for education vouchers - currently designated for students 16 to 23 years old - through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. It would allow foster parents to send a child to his or her original school or to choose a school that can undertake the unique challenges their foster child may face.

"Instead of separating foster children from trusted friends and teachers, we should give them the opportunity to stay at a school if it is fulfilling their needs," said Bachmann. "We should also allow families to choose the school that is best equipped to serve their foster child."

Bachmann, whose family cared for 23 foster children, has been an advocate for at-risk youth in Congress. In June, she testified alongside singer and songwriter Jewel, who was homeless as a teenager, about improving educational opportunities for foster children. Last month, Bachmann introduced bipartisan legislation to honor the contributions of all public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities dedicated to finding homes for foster children and assisting foster families.

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