U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand foster parent training and authorize new appropriations to support foster youth who want to get a driver’s license.
“Given the hardships faced by young Hoosiers in the foster system, we should do all we can to ensure they have the tools necessary for future success,” Sen. Young said on Oct. 5. “Our bill would remove some of the existing barriers these individuals face when obtaining a driver’s license.”
The Foster Youth and Driving Act, S. 5051, which Sen. Young cosponsored on Sept. 29 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) would create a grant to help foster youth obtain the necessary practice and insurance to get a driver’s license, according to information provided by Sen. Young’s office.
The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative found that foster youth with driver’s licenses were more likely than their peers to attend school and almost twice as likely to work, the information says.
“Getting a driver’s license can be an important part of young adulthood – helping young people gain independence and allowing them to access work and education opportunities. Unfortunately, foster youth face financial barriers to getting a driver’s license,” said Sen. Hassan.“Our bipartisan bill takes steps to ensure that foster youth have tools to get a license and to access the opportunities that can come along with it.”
S. 5051 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for consideration.