Youngkin signs bills designed to improve foster care in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Chesapeake resident Katie Jones knows all too well that in the past, Virginia’s foster care system hasn’t always worked like it’s supposed to. 

“I absolutely did not get what I needed as a child. No foster kid does,” Jones told 8News. 

That’s why Jones, who aged out of the foster care system several years ago, was on hand in Richmond on Thursday to witness Governor Glenn Youngkin sign two bills to improve Virginia’s foster care system. 

“From the age I was, until the day I turned 18, I was allowed to meet with my mom for one hour, once a week, in a room they called the green room, where there was one bucket of toys, a rug, and a couch,” Jones said. 

The bills will ensure parents and foster kids over the age of 12 receive information on how to contact the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman. That office is responsible for investigating complaints against agencies involved in the foster care system.

Accusations could include not following the law or imposing actions based on “irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds.” 

“That’s to make sure that they know they have someone they can call and speak with. There’s a well-staffed team, and we want to make sure that children who need someone to speak with can get access to them,” Youngkin said.

It’s important to note, the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman does not investigate cases of child abuse or neglect. Those investigations are handled by Child Protective Services.