Governor Kelly on Tuesday signed House Bill 2024, a child welfare bill that establishes the Gail Finney Memorial Foster Care Bill of Rights outlining the rights of foster youth, foster parents, and family caregivers.

“I am pleased to sign this bill into law not only to empower our youth and families in our foster care system, but to honor the legacy of one of our state’s great leaders, Representative Gail Finney. She was a warrior for our children – particularly those from underrepresented and minority communities — and worked tirelessly to improve foster care in our state,” Kelly said.

“For too long, those most impacted by the foster care system…lacked the resources they needed to protect themselves,” said Representative Susan Concannon. “Establishing a Foster Care Bill of Rights solves that problem. I am pleased by this bipartisan effort to come together to honor Representative Gail Finney, who fought for a more just foster care system, in such a fitting way.”

HB 2024 also strengthens and sustains the Child Abuse Referral Evaluation (CARE) network, an existing program that ensures every case of child maltreatment is thoroughly investigated. The bill also allows for the use of infant safety devices in authorized facilities.

“This legislation will save lives,” said Dr. Emily Killough and Dr. Jennifer Hansen on behalf of the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “HB 2024 allows a child abuse medical expert to review case information for each alleged child abuse and neglect report for children under 6 to help identify which children may benefit from a medical evaluation. And, it will expand the medical network allowing more children to receive medical care in their own communities. We would like to thank Governor Kelly and the Kansas legislature for their commitment to keeping Kansas children safe and healthy.”