Former foster youth urge Alaska House committee to pass bill preserving sibling ties after adoption Dozens of current and former foster youth told the House Judiciary Committee they support House Bill 157, which would protect legal and relational sibling connections after adoption, arguing separation increases trauma, harms identity and can carry lifelong consequences.

Current and former foster youth in Alaska are demanding lawmakers protect sibling ties after adoption, warning that separation can lead to lifelong trauma and loss.

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#AK #TraumaInformed #CitizenPortal #ChildProtection #FamilyContinuity #AlaskaFosterYouth

Foster youth tell Alaska lawmakers instability and lost supports hinder education, cultural ties and sibling connections About 20 current and former foster youth told lawmakers at a lunch-and-learn hosted by Representative Andrew Gray that placement moves, lost student supports and separation from siblings undermine education and cultural continuity; they urged policies ensuring sibling-first placement, stable adult supports and clearer transition services.

Foster youth in Alaska are speaking out about how instability, lost supports, and sibling separation are crippling their education and cultural ties.

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#AK #CulturalContinuity #CitizenPortal #EducationSupports #YouthEmpowerment #AlaskaFosterYouth

Foster youth recount long hospital stays as Alaska bill aims to speed judicial review of psychiatric placements A foster-youth advocate and multiple youth testified to the Senate Health and Social Services Committee that Alaska places some foster children in psychiatric hospitals for extended periods without prompt court review; House Bill 36 would shorten the timeline for judicial hearings to determine medical necessity.

Foster youth in Alaska are enduring lengthy stays in psychiatric facilities without timely court reviews, sparking urgent calls for change from advocates.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #YouthMentalHealth #JudicialReform #FosterCareAccountability #AlaskaFosterYouth