September 25, 2006

News Article
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

REGION - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill, authored by state Sen. Nell Soto, D-Ontario, into law that is intended to improve the lives of foster children.

The law will allow foster parents to make decisions about the daily activities of foster children as they relate to their health and safety, according to statement from Soto's office. The intent is to give foster children the opportunity to participate in activities such as sports and school activities.

The same legislation also asks that state Department of Social Services report back to the Legislature on efforts to remove restrictions that result in treating foster children differently from children who are not under foster care, according to the statement.

Children who are in foster care are not permitted to use laundry detergent or be left alone, even if they are 17, nor are they allowed to share a bedroom with more than one other child even for a single night, according to the statement.

The report is expected to be presented during next year's budget hearings.

-- Monica Rodriguez, (909) 483-9336