Contact: Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (608) 266-0610

MADISON – At a Capitol press conference Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) was appointed to the Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care. The bipartisan group, assigned by Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester), will investigate foster care issues in Wisconsin.

“Through this task force we’ll be able to take an in-depth look at some of the existing concerns and hopefully offer solutions that will improve the lives of foster children throughout Wisconsin,” said Rodriguez. “I’m excited to be part of this task force.”

Back in April, foster care advocacy groups from around the state congregated at the Capitol to bring awareness to issues surrounding foster care in Wisconsin. The need for foster care has risen sharply in the last several years while the number of available foster homes has declined.

The task force will focus on addressing issues facing the foster care system by looking at ways to better assist families and children once they’ve entered and aged out of the child welfare system. Additionally, the group will look at ways to reduce the need to enter foster care.

The group will tour different areas throughout the state to hear feedback from children and families involved in the foster care system. Similar to previous legislative task forces, the group will present policy recommendations prior to the end of the legislative session sometime in spring 2018.

“We know there is quite a bit of room for improvement within the foster care system in Wisconsin. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find ways to better foster care for children in need of this important service.”

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