RICHMOND, VA. — Shineforth leaders had the opportunity to meet with Virginia legislators and their staff on our Lobby Day, January 21, to speak in support of critical legislation that impacts youth in foster care.
[Pictured at top, from left: Vice President of Community Based Services Deborah Burton, Vice President of Program Innovation & External Affairs Nina Marino, Delegate Katrina Callsen (HD54) and President & CEO Nancy Toscano]
Children do well when they’re with family or people with whom they know, which is why Shineforth is in favor of modernizing Virginia’s barrier-crime policy for kinship foster care placements (HB 632, SB305, HB1060). Too many relatives or fictive kin are denied the opportunity to parent children they have a relationship with because of past offenses. Modernizing the policy would increase the number of approved homes for the more than 5,000 children and teens in care in Virginia. Placing youth with their relatives results in better outcomes, including seven fewer months in foster care and increased permanency.
Shineforth also believes that every child can thrive in school when paired with the right learning environment. Specialized day schools like Charterhouse School at Shineforth provide K-12 students with a trauma-sensitive learning environment and extra supports that aren’t available in many traditional public school settings. Private day schools are a vital part of the educational continuum, ensuring students with significant emotional, behavioral or developmental needs receive their federally protected right to free and appropriate education. Funding shouldn’t be a barrier to student success.
Shineforth wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the offices of Del. Katrina Callsen, Del. Debra Gardner, Sen. Stella Pekarsky, Del. David Reid, Sen. Danica Roem, and Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg for their hospitality and time on Lobby Day. Thanks also to the staff of both the Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia State Capitol for exhibiting true professionalism and courtesy.
[Pictured below: Members from Shineforth’s Senior Leadership Team and Board Member and Former CEO Greg Peters spent time on Lobby Day connecting with old friends and meeting with Virginia Legislators, including Senator Danica Roem (SD30) and Delegate David Reid (HD28).
