These kids are not only taken from their families, but they’re also taken from the communities in which they live and placed into other counties or schools.
By April Corbin Girnus, Nevada Current
Clark County argues that Nevadans who have non-violent marijuana offenses shouldn’t be disqualified automatically from being foster parents.
Ashley Kennedy, lobbyist from Clark County told lawmakers that “we have lost many qualified and caring people due to criminal records. This is especially true for marijuana possession convictions dating back over twenty years.” These convictions are “outdated” by Nevada’s laws.
Assembly Bill No. 107 is a change requested by the county. The bill would permit people who have been convicted for marijuana possession in amounts currently considered legal to be foster parents. The automatic prohibition on fostering would be lifted for those with marijuana convictions older than five years and that are not connected to the sale of marijuana.
At present, any convictions for the possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances automatically disqualify you to become a foster child.
AB107 does not affect other requirements of foster parents such as training, background checks and inspections, or home studies. This bill was sponsored by Las Vegas Democratic Assemblymember Tracy Brown May. It received unanimous approval from the Assembly. A Senate committee heard it last week.
Kennedy stated that Clark County doesn’t have any formal statistics on how many people have been rejected by the family services department because of prior marijuana convictions. However, they estimate “at least 10” families are turned away each year.
The impact of 10 children may seem small, but most foster homes accept more than one per year. Children’s advocates also noted that foster homes often take multiple children at once.
Clark County, Nevada has a great need for foster homes.
Kennedy stated that there were over 3,000 kids in care every day, but only 900 homes are licensed to provide foster care.
Ken Gray of the Republican Assembly, who has signed as cosponsor, believes that this bill could “change everything.” He said that Lyon County has only seven foster homes.
He said, “We only have so many beds.” These children are not only taken away by their parents but also from the communities they live in, sometimes being sent to other counties, other schools. It’s like adding damage to damage that has already been done.
The minister added: “Even if only one or two houses are built in every county, it will make a difference.”
Nevada Current was the first to publish this story.
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Side Pocket Images. Image courtesy Chris Wallis.