A bill to extend foster care benefits in Louisiana from 18 years old to as much as 21 years old in some cases was passed by the Senate Finance Committee. The money committee agreed to the legislation, even though it will cost the state an additional million dollars. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti of Bossier City says it’s a tragedy that once a foster child gets put on the street once they turn 18.
After benefits for foster children are taken away, if they end up in trouble, Gatti says more money is spent taking care of their needs in jail that in a foster home.
Gatti believes that most 18-year-olds will stay in foster care if benefits are extended to 21.
One-million-dollars from the BP settlement would be used to finance the extension. The bill next heads to the Senate floor.