FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

ATLANTA |Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of the bi-partisan, unanimous Georgia Senate passage of Senate Resolution 310, the Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care.

“When I first took office in 2023, I made it clear that supporting Georgia’s foster kids and families would be a top priority,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I created the Senate Children and Families Committee; we passed several bills to streamline processes for Georgia’s foster system, and this year I am prioritizing expanding the Georgia Promise Scholarship to foster families. I want to thank Chairwoman Kay Kirkpatrick for introducing this study committee and for all of her work as Chair of the Children and Families Committee. With her leadership and support of the committee members, the Senate has led the charge on meaningful changes for children across Georgia. This study committee will ensure that we properly analyze the resources and services currently provided for transition aged youth and determine what additional services and resources should be available in order to ensure their success in adulthood.”

Since 2023, the Senate Children and Families Committee has championed:

Senate Bill 131 - Aligns notice requirements for permanent guardianship

Senate Bill 133 - Child in Need of Services (CHIN) hearings streamline to addressing hoteling. When SB 133 became law, children in Georgia’s foster care system that were staying in hotel rooms went from a high of over 100 to only emergency stays. 

Senate Bill 216 - Respite care for foster parents

Senate Bill 342 - Reporting and Access - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Senate Bill 376 - Timely Placement - Address Substantial Progress Completion of Case Plan

Senate Bill 387 - Provide State Identification Cards for Foster Children

Senate Resolution 310, sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta), creates the five-member Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care. All members will be appointed by the Lt. Governor, and meetings will be held during the 2025 interim. 

Additional information on Senate Resolution 310 can be found here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71018

Contact

Policy and Communications Director Ines Owens

[email protected]