MCCA Names Senator Justus Champion of Children

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies has named state Sen. Jolie Justus a “Champion of Children” for her persistence and dedication in passing the Foster Care Education Bill of Rights. She actually passed this important legislation twice in the 2009 Legislative session, as an amendment to Senate Bill 291 and to House Bill 154.

“Senator Justus is a true ‘Champion of Children’ because she refused to back down in her pursuit of legislation to ensure that our kids have access to the education that they so richly deserve, keeping this topic on the top of her list for three years. We are grateful that she succeeded in passing the Foster Care Education Bill of Rights on the third attempt,” said Carmen Schulze, executive director of Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies. “Foster children need lawmakers like Senator Justice who understand that it’s not enough to say kids have received ‘appropriate care’ if they have food and shelter. They must also receive a quality education if they are to have meaningful opportunity.”

The Foster Care Education Bill of Rights ensures that foster children won’t fall through the cracks when it comes to receiving an education. It addresses several deficiencies in the primary and secondary education system, including ensuring that foster children are enrolled in their new school with little or no waiting period. It allows some children to stay in their original schools. It also gives students who live in residential care facilities the opportunity for a full day of education.

“I am proud to be named a Champion of Children. I was unwavering in my commitment to pass the Foster Care Education Bill of Rights because I firmly believed it was the right thing to do. As wards of the state, these children are in OUR custody. They are our most vulnerable citizens and as the guardian of these kids, we owe it to them to make sure they have every opportunity available – including a quality education,” Sen. Justus said. 

Sen. Justus, D-Kansas City, is a longtime advocate of children. She serves on a number of Senate committees that focus on child welfare issues, including Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families. She also is a member of Children's Trust Fund Board and Children's Services Commission. 

MCCA advocates for the needs of more than 9,600 children in foster care or at risk of foster care in Missouri. The Coalition uses its “Champion of Children” award to recognize legislators and policymakers who identify and work to prevent passage of legislation that would adversely affect children on a variety of fronts, including health care, poverty, food and housing insecurity, juvenile justice, early care and education, child abuse and after-school programs.

MCCA is the premiere membership coalition that represents abused and neglected children and the people who care for those children. MCCA advances excellence in child welfare practice. It serves as the collective voice for the children and families that MCCA members serve. For more information, visit our Web site at  www.e-mcca.org