Lt. Governor Burt Jones Prioritizes Georgia’s Children and Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 6, 2026

ATLANTA |Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement supporting the Georgia Senate’s passage of three legislative initiatives addressing priorities for the 2026 session -   providing resources and services to all of Georgia’s children, including those in and aging out of the foster care system. 

“The Senate will continue to lead the way, while working with President Trump’s Administration, to ensure we are delivering on behalf of Georgia’s most vulnerable – our foster care children and families,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Over the past four years, I have committed to ensuring that children in foster care receive the proper care, support, and resources at every stage of life, and my resolve on this issue will not waver. I will continue to prioritize legislation and funding because these children and families deserve a champion who will never give up on them. I am committed to ensuring they are heard, supported, and never forgotten.”

During the 2025 Legislative Session, Lt. Governor Burt Jones prioritized the creation of the Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth. Last year, the study committee filed its recommendations and during this session, Lt. Governor Jones is prioritizing the following study committee recommendations:

Senate Bill 402 - Continue current pilot programs screening foster youth for autism spectrum disorder and collect additional data for the pilot by implementing screening in two additional DFCS regions.

Senate Bill 431 - Ensure school districts are in compliance with enrollment requirements for children in the foster care system. 

Senate Resolution 622 - Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia's Foster Care System.