The Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care has released its final report after five months of hearings. The committee, led by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta), was established by Senate Resolution 310 during the 2025 Legislative Session to address the needs of Georgia youth transitioning from foster care into adulthood.
The committee gathered input from state agencies, service providers, public housing authorities, education leaders, nonprofits, and young adults with experience in foster care. Testimony during these hearings highlighted several challenges faced by older foster youth, such as unstable housing, limited workforce readiness, and inconsistent access to mental and behavioral health services.
“Our charge was to look closely at what’s working, where gaps remain and what more our state can do to support young people aging out of care,” said Sen. Kirkpatrick. “This committee heard powerful testimony from experts and from youth themselves. Their stories made clear that improving stability and ensuring continuity in education and employment services can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. I’m grateful to everyone who shared their expertise and experiences throughout this process. These recommendations offer a roadmap to better support Georgia’s transition age youth and help them enter adulthood prepared for success.”
The report outlines recommendations in four main areas: housing stability, educational continuity, workforce readiness, and support for youth with complex needs. Some key proposals include bringing together state and federal partners to improve participation in the Foster Youth to Independence housing voucher program; ensuring school districts follow enrollment and credit transfer rules; expanding supports for postsecondary students through full funding of the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship; strengthening partnerships with the Technical College System of Georgia to address employment barriers; and increasing autism screening as well as treatment access for those with complex behavioral health needs.
Other recommendations focus on raising awareness about the Fostering Success Tax Credit, using technology for better transition planning, providing coordinated wraparound supports, and collaborating with federal partners to make use of new resources available through national foster care initiatives.
Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick is also Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families representing portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties.
