On Jan. 19, the Child Foster Care Work Group presented preliminary recommendations to the Legislative Child Protection Task Force. Recommendations ranged from updating recruiting strategies and reforming foster parent training, to modernizing a foster child’s education and healthcare opportunities.

“A good number of the suggestions from the Foster Care Work Group are already in the works for the 2016 legislative session,” said Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls. “This year, I will be offering improvements to the foster care system to help children in out-of-home placement, as well as attracting and fairly compensating foster care parents.”

A national study of youth aging out of foster care found that 52 percent did not graduate high school, and 25 percent were involved in the legal system. The Child Protection Task Force has taken the lead on this issue heading into the 2016 session.

“I look forward to getting additional feedback from foster parents in my district and around the state concerning these recommendations,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett. R-Albert Lea. “We’re looking at ways to improve the system for the long-term, and I’m excited to further discuss the recommendations this coming session.”