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News & Press Releases Latest Councilmember Wells’ Bill to Protect Children and Caregivers Approved by Human Services Committee
News & Press Releases Latest Councilmember Wells’ Bill to Protect Children and Caregivers Approved by Human Services Committee | Councilmember Wells’ Bill to Protect Children and Caregivers Approved by Human Services Committee |
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| Written by Charles Allen | |
| Friday, 23 March 2007 | |
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The Committee on Human Services voted today to approve “The Safe and Stable Homes for Children and Youth Act of 2007.” Tommy Wells, chair of the committee, introduced the bill as his first legislative act at the Council of the District of Columbia. Councilmembers Phil Mendelson and Harry Thomas, Jr. joined Mr. Wells in supporting the bill at today’s vote. The bill now moves to be considered by the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary before moving to the full Council for consideration. “The Safe and Stable Homes for Children and Youth Act of 2007” was introduced on January 9th of this year and was the subject of a lengthy hearing on February 8th. The bill is targeted to help the thousands of children in the District of Columbia that live in households headed by a person other than a parent – a grandparent, another relative, step-parent, God-parent or someone else fully committed to raising the child. At times, this arrangement can arise out of dire circumstances, such as deployment for the men and women of our military or the incapacitation of a parent due to illness. The legislation became necessary when the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a sweeping ruling that, in effect, prevents relatives and other caregivers from filing for custody of children in their care and deprives them of standing in custody proceedings. Councilmember Wells explained, “By restoring legal standing to these caregivers in custody proceedings, while protecting the rights of parents, this bill will enable more children to live in safe and stable homes.” The legislation was co-introduced by Councilmembers Phil Mendelson and David Catania, with Chairman Vincent Gray and Councilmember Kwame Brown signing on as co-sponsors. Councilmember Wells has worked very closely with the Children’s Law Center and other child advocates to develop this legislation. ###
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 25 March 2007 ) |
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