Georgia Mountain News

In Atlanta's Georgia State Capitol, Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) is set to lead the fourth meeting of the 2023 Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption on November 27. The event aims to scrutinize the existing policies safeguarding Georgia's children as per Senate Resolution 282.

As we delve deeper into the issues at hand, it's important to note some recent findings. According to a report by The Georgia Virtue in May, Georgia lawmakers uncovered deficiencies in caseworker responses to child abuse cases and highlighted inadequate placement services for victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and physical abuse, citing media reports and an Office of the Child Advocate investigation. Additionally, they disclosed that the state allocated $28 million last year to house children in hotels, at times for extended periods.

Moving from systemic concerns to specific numbers, according to a report by The Georgia Virtue in May, 11,000 children in Georgia are in foster care at any given time.

The context behind this committee’s formation is crucial for understanding its importance. According to Senate Resolution 282, the resolution was introduced by Senators Kirkpatrick, Gooch, and Hatchett, and establishes the Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption recognizing the necessity to review and enhance policies related to the safety and welfare of Georgia's children. The resolution aims to assess and potentially improve foster care adoption processes highlighting need reconsider funding barriers fee structures requirements both public private adoptions well care provided foster children Georgia.

To understand when these matters will be further discussed, according a press release by Georgia General Assembly event scheduled Monday November 27 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Room 307 CLOB at Georgia State Capitol located 18 Capitol Sq SW Atlanta GA 30334.

It is also pertinent to know about the key individual leading this cause, according to Ballotpedia, Kay Kirkpatrick, a Republican member of the Georgia State Senate representing District 32, began her tenure on June 2, 2017 with her current term slated conclude January 13 2025. She successfully secured re-election in November 8 2022 general election. Kay Kirkpatrick serves Senate District 32 encompassing parts Cobb Cherokee Counties Georgia.