WASHINGTON—The First Focus Campaign for Children applauds Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) for introducing The Foster Youth Driving Act (H.R. 2512), making it easier for foster youth to obtain driver’s education, vehicle insurance, practice lessons, and driver’s license fees.
Bruce Lesley, President of the First Focus Campaign for Children, said:
“Too many foster youth face insurmountable barriers to getting a driver’s license: from the course fees and the cost of insurance, to the need for an adult who can help with their practice hours.
Studies have shown that kids with access to a car do better in school, get better jobs, have more college options, and have more successful careers.
I applaud Rep. Danny Davis for introducing this important bill that would make it easier for foster youth to get to school, work, and benefit from all the opportunities that come with access to a vehicle.”
The bill also provides training for foster parents to help kids in their care achieve practice hours and understand the information relating to obtaining a driver’s license.
Rep. Davis calls transportation “one of the largest barriers” for foster youth to overcome as they transition into adulthood.
“It impacts every aspect of their well-being, and has been an impediment to meeting their education and employment goals. These kids deserve better,” he said.
In 2014, a study conducted by the Urban Institute found that families with access to vehicles live in neighborhoods with better environmental and social quality than those without cars.
To learn more, visit youthgoingplaces.org.
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The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are a priority in federal policy and budget decisions.