The Pennsylvania House of Representatives held a joint hearing of the Human Services and Children and Youth Committees at Manor College Sept. 20, that focused on the topic of foster care. Included in the members of the committees were Representatives Thomas Murt (District 152), Alex Charlton (District 165), Tarah Toohil (District 116), Michael Schlossberg (District 132), Marcia Hahn (District 138), Rick Saccone (District 39), Helen Tai (District 178), Pamela DeLissio (District 194), and Kathy Watson (District 144).

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The testifiers at the hearing were Constance Ianetta, Founder of the PA Chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America; Karen Stuebing Robos, Manager of Permanency Division; Jennifer Horn, Program Specialist at Independent Living; Sandie Beren from Montgomery Human Services, Reily Mellot, a young adult in Foster Care; and JR Kenny, Director of Government Relations at Northeast Boys and Girls Club of America.

“The hearing offered insight into the experiences young people face as they are aging out of the foster care system and pursuing their education at the collegiate level,” Allison Mootz, Dean of Students at Manor College commented. “With Manor College being selected to be guided by the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, & Research on creating a Foster Care to College program, the information presented by the testifiers was extremely helpful in guiding us in the right direction to serve this population.”

Connie Ianetta, one of the hearing’s testifiers, discussed her own experience and the need for more support for foster children, especially those aging out of the system. Ianetta bravely detailed the tribulations she faced in the system, and how it lacks emotional and financial support. A common discussion point during the hearing was the topic of youth not being prepared to go to college.

Earlier this year, Manor College was selected for the second cohort of the Foster Care to College Program through The Field Center. This program assists in making the process of transitioning to college life as seamless as possible for students who are aging out of the foster care system.

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