January 23, 2008

(STATEHOUSE) – Legislation aiming to strengthen family bonds by allowing siblings of foster children to request visitation passed 7-0 out of committee today. Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), author of the bill, is hopeful the bill will swiftly move through the Senate and onto the House of Representatives.

“Family is very important,” Delph said. “This bill will help improve the quality of life for children in foster care who are already separated from their parents and other loved ones.”

SB91 requires the Indiana Department of Child Services to promote sibling visitation for every child who receives foster care and to allow sibling visitation if it’s in the best interest of the child receiving care. If visitation is denied, an individual may petition a juvenile court for the sibling visitation. Currently visitation is largely at the discretion of the foster parents unless ordered by the court and an older sibling may not contact another sibling in foster care without parental consent.

The legislation is one of the four recommendations made by the Interim Study Committee on Missing Children. Delph served as a member of the committee, which heard testimony on the importance of helping homeless and foster care children with educational, social and personal needs.

Delph’s bill now moves out of the Judiciary committee and will be heard by the full Senate.