By Pickett                                             H.R. No. 530
         76R8577 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to
 1-2     recognize members of the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program
 1-3     Youth Leadership Committee on the occasion of their visit to the
 1-4     State Capitol; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, These motivated young adults, ages 16 through 20,
 1-6     are current or former foster care recipients who are visiting
 1-7     Austin to learn more about the legislative process and to advocate
 1-8     for children in foster care; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Texas Department of Protective and
1-10     Regulatory Services, the committee members serve as an important
1-11     voice for Texas youth in foster care, and they represent schools
1-12     serving each of the 11 regions of Texas:  Amarillo, Wichita Falls,
1-13     Fort Worth, Avinger, Beaumont, Spring, Austin, San Antonio,
1-14     Midland, El Paso, and Corpus Christi; and
1-15           WHEREAS, These caring young people play a significant role in
1-16     reviewing policies that affect children in foster care and propose
1-17     initiatives to improve the system; the committee is coordinated by
1-18     a youth specialist, also a former recipient of foster care, who
1-19     works with the state's protective and regulatory services
1-20     department; and
1-21           WHEREAS, In 1998, testimony from members was instrumental in
1-22     bringing about a change in the Texas Administrative Code to provide
1-23     for up to 3-1/2 months of state-paid foster care assistance for
1-24     certain youth to bridge the  time between high school graduation
 2-1     and the fall semester of college or vocational school; another
 2-2     objective was realized by panel members when their feedback
 2-3     inspired adoption of a policy that ensures the privacy of youth's
 2-4     mail and telephone correspondence at child-care facilities; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, The committee is currently working with Texas State
 2-6     Foster Parents, Inc., the Texas Association of Licensed Children's
 2-7     Services, and Child Protective Services (CPS) to create and
 2-8     implement a procedure for youth to evaluate foster parents,
 2-9     placements, and CPS two months after leaving a placement; and
2-10           WHEREAS, The members of the PAL Program Youth Leadership
2-11     Committee are dedicated to  enhancing the quality of life for
2-12     foster children in the Lone Star State, and they are truly worthy
2-13     of special legislative recognition for their efforts at this time;
2-14     now, therefore, be it
2-15           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-16     Legislature hereby commend members of the Preparation for Adult
2-17     Living Program Youth Leadership Committee for their significant
2-18     achievements and extend to them warmest best wishes for continued
2-19     success and happiness; and, be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-21     prepared for the PAL Program Youth Leadership Committee as an
2-22     expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.