The legislation, Senate Bill 1002, would require the Department of Public Welfare to promulgate regulations that would expand background checks for prospective foster and adoptive parents to include details of any drug- or alcohol-related arrests, convictions or hospitalizations, or protection from abuse orders filed by or against either parent.

The background checks would also examine evidence of financial stability, including bankruptcy filings, as well as other important factors in determining if applicants can provide an environment suitable for foster or adoptive children.

“It is important that all children are in an environment where they feel safe and where they are properly cared for,” Sen. Tomlinson said.  “By enacting more stringent screening measures, we can protect one of the most vulnerable segments of our population.”

Sen. Tomlinson said that Pennsylvania currently has few regulations for foster or adoptive parent applicants.

“I would like to thank Representative Bernie O’Neill, the Bucks County Children and Youth Social Service Agency, the Pennsylvania Children and Youth Administrators and the Department of Public Welfare for their assistance in developing this legislation that would further protect our children,” Sen. Tomlinson said.

This legislation is a result of a case in Bucks County in which the foster parents were arrested and charged with child endangerment and allegedly duct-taping their foster children.

“Bucks County has enacted strict regulations to protect the health and welfare of our foster children,” Sen. Tomlinson said. “There is no reason why these protections should not be extended to children across this Commonwealth.”