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Minutes for HB2536 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Establishing the SOUL family legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 6, 2024
Chairperson Gossage opened the hearing on HB2536.
Jenna Moyer, Staff Revisor gave an overview of HB2536. (Attachment 1) There were no questions.
Rachel Marsh testified in support of HB2536. (Attachment 2) She stated in her testimony that the SOUL Family bill was designed to advance four primary goals: Establish lifelong, strong relationships; maintain young people's eligibility to receive funding and services that prepare them for adulthood; create a youth-and family-focused support system through the court and the local child welfare agency and include a youth-and family-centered permanency planning process.
Alexandria Ware gave proponent testimony for HB2536. (Attachment 3) She urges everyone to support HB2536 because it can make a massive difference for young people who spend time in day centers or bouncing from one place to another an night. SOUL Family ensures that love and relationships are not just words but are legally recognized and supported.
Kristen Powell testified in support of HB2536 stating that SOUL family is a new innovative permanency option designed by people with lived experience. (Attachment 4)
Nykia Gaston testified as a proponent of HB2536 by saying that she supports the bill as it is a diverse approach to permanency and the importance of an extended network of support. (Attachment 5)
Marquan Teetz spoke in support of HB2536. (Attachment 6) He said his personal journey underscores the potential positive impact such programs as SOUL Family can have on the lives of those navigating the foster care system, especially young people, like himself, who did not have the opportunity benefit from such support.
Kassi McDowell gave testimony in support of HB2536. (Attachment 7) In her testimony she said that allowing HB2536 to pass it will give young people a different permanency option and a voice for them to have a say in where they may be placed, which may allow for a better chance for them to succeed in their future.
Adina Morse testified in support of HB2536. (Attachment 8) She said that the SOUL Family Legal Permanency Option was developed by incredible young leaders based on their experiences, and designed by them to meet their needs.
Kristalle Hedrick spoke as a proponent of HB2536. (Attachment 9) In her testimony she said HB2536 raises up our youth''s voices in their own journey towards safety and well-being and offers additional resources to those transitioning into adulthood.
Mike Fonkert gave testimony supporting HB2536. (Attachment 10) He stated that HB2536 will provide support to children by providing resources to help them find meaningful stability through a chosen SOUL family.
Gabriella Pogany gave testimony in support of HB2536. (Attachment 11) She stated that SOUL allows youth to take back the control that was taken from them when they entered foster care.
They took questions from committee members.
Written only proponent testimony was submitted by:
Danielle Bartelli, KVC Kansas (Attachment 12)
Laura Walters, Cornerstones of Care (Attachment 13)
Yusef Presley, Jr., ACLU-Kansas (Attachment 14)
John Wilson, Kansas Action for Children (Attachment 15)
Steve Solomon, TFI Family Services (Attachment 16)
Tanya Keys, DCF (Attachment 17)
Kerrie Lonard, Division of Child Advocate (Attachment 18)
Matt Stephens, St. Francis Ministries (Attachment 19)
Chairperson Gossage closed the hearing on HB2536.
Chairperson Gossage adjourned the meeting at 9:30 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is March 7, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
