In just two months, it should be easier for providers of children s services in Pennsylvania s child-welfare and foster-care system to get the liability insurance they need. Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill into law that outlines who takes responsibility when an incident or accident occurs in the child-welfare system. Some counties contracts require the private children s service provider to take full responsibility, even when they are not at fault. .
Backers of legislation awaiting Gov. Tom Wolf s signature said it would improve the odds of success for teens transitioning out of foster care. More than 5,500 children in foster care in Pennsylvania are age 14 or older, and House Bill 1866 outlines the steps county child-welfare agencies must take to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood with support from caregivers or family members. .