Minority Leader Pugliese's Statement on SB24-008 Becoming Law

(Denver, CO - May 30, 2024) - Minority Leader Pugliese addressed Governor Polis' signing of SB24-008, a critical bill aimed at bolstering support and financial assistance for both certified and non-certified kinship foster care homes.

SB24-008, co-sponsored by Minority Leader Pugliese, enhances the kinship foster care system by offering financial assistance and simplifying the certification process for kinship homes. This bill ensures that financial concerns do not impede the placement of children with relatives, allowing such placements to receive financial support at 50% of the foster care rate.

"SB24-008 empowers families by prioritizing familial choice in foster care," said Minority Leader Pugliese. "Ensuring children can stay with relatives provides them with stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for their well-being."

Colorado's kinship foster care placement rates are currently 30% below the national average. SB24-008 aims to address this gap by expanding financial support and simplifying the certification process for kinship foster care providers.

"By supporting familial choice, we are prioritizing the best interests of children," emphasized Minority Leader Pugliese. "Research consistently shows that children fare better when placed with relatives, experiencing improved stability and better mental health outcomes."

With SB24-008, Colorado reaffirms its dedication to empowering families and ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder children from being placed with their relatives, where they can receive the care and stability they need to flourish.