May 31, 2006 - Jones Legislation Providing Health Care To Foster Youth Passes Out Of Assembly

ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAVE JONES
9TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2006
Contact: Sonja Palladino
Phone: (916) 319-2009

SACRAMENTO – Today, legislation authored by Assemblymember Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) that improves foster youth medical and dental care access passed out the California State Assembly. AB 2284 requires that foster children receive medical and dental care as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The bill requires annual preventative health examinations. The bill also requires semi-annual dental examinations for foster children older than age one. The bill further indicates that foster children will receive immunizations on the existing recommended schedule. This bill would extend medical coverage until the age of 21 to many foster youth who are currently excluded from extended Medi-Cal eligibility - such as those who emancipated prior to age 18 and those cared for by a relative (Kin-GAP).

Approximately 85,000 children in California are foster children. Once removed from their parents’ homes, these children become the responsibility of the State. Numerous studies indicate that most children enter foster care with medical, mental health, or developmental problems. Foster children are already eligible for medical and dental care, but unfortunately, many do not receive the care they need while in the system.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of children who have been removed from homes that do not provide a safe environment. Unfortunately, the health needs of foster youth are not being adequately met,” explained Assemblymember Dave Jones.

AB 2284 is part of the package of bills that the Select Committee on Foster Care helped develop to address the critical needs of foster youth in California. It is sponsored by the Children’s Advocacy Institute and supported by the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles, California Dental Association, California Hospital Association, California Medical Association, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, and National Center on Youth Law.

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