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Murray State Student Helped Create Recent Foster Care Legislation

via Glenda Wright's facebook page

A Murray State University senior is celebrating recent foster care legislation she helped create. Glenda Wright said she believes Kentucky’s foster care system is moving in the right direction.

Wright is president of foster care advocacy group Voices for the Commonwealth. Wright spent her high school years in three different foster homes, separated from her 3 siblings after their grandmother passed away in 2009. She began studying business and legal studies at Murray State and has since spent her college years helping people understand what it’s like to be inside a system that needs change.

 

She said she met with Governor Bevin and he took the time to listen as she explained issues that affect foster kids - like not being able to get a driver’s license until 18. Wright said she was emotional as she watched Bevin sign House Bill 192 into law last week, a bill that allows foster kids to get their driver’s permit and license at 16.

 
"I can remember being so ready to drive at 16. That's something that you think you are guaranteed to do. " Wright said. "When I found out I couldn't get my license I was heart broken. It felt unfair, it felt like I was being punished for something that was out of my control." 
 
Bevin also signed into law House Bill 180, which allows foster kids to temporarily live under the care of non-relative adults they might have a close relationship with, like a pastor or neighbor. Wright said Bevin's administration has been a key part in advancing the foster care system in Kentucky.

 

“No matter if you hate the governor or you love him, he’s definitely for the kids of foster care.” Wright said.

 

Prior to House Bill 180, children lived with their closest relative regardless of emotional affinity. Wright said she believes the new law could lead to more adoptions.

 

Taylor is a recent Murray State University graduate where she studied journalism and history. When she's not reporting for WKMS, she enjoys creative writing and traveling. She loves writing stories that involve diversity, local culture and history, nature and recreation, art and music, and national or local politics. If you have a news tip or idea, shoot her an email at tinman1@murraystate.edu!
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