Yesterday, HB 1577, sponsored by State Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood), passed with unanimous bipartisan support in the Florida House. HB 1577 helps to level the playing field for youth exiting foster care at age 18 and youth who experience homelessness by removing barriers, providing opportunities for their education, and helping with the transition to adulthood. The bill will help this vulnerable population in many ways; including the addition of liaisons for homeless youth at colleges and universities to provide support for their specific needs and requiring local school districts to provide an ID card for students experiencing homelessness that explains their rights, benefits, and contact information for their school liaison.
“I am delighted to see this bill pass! When I was campaigning, I met a college student who was living out of his car. I have since learned that the issue of homeless youth is far more widespread than I could have imagined. As a former county administrator, I also spent many years working with children in foster care and thus understand just how difficult the transition out of foster care is for these youth,” said Representative Woodson.
“HB 1577 puts the needs of youth exiting foster care and youth who experience homelessness first by providing them with access to services and tools that can help alleviate some of the barriers and obstacles they face. A heartfelt thank you to the statewide coalition of youth, schools and service providers who worked long and hard on this bill and to my colleagues for voting in support on this necessary legislation.”
