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Listen to me!

The Spokane River roars over the Monroe Street Falls Wednesday June 15, 2011. In the background are the Spokane County Courthouse and Public Health buildings.   (Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review)
Catherine Johnston

The foster children in our state are not being heard when it comes to the courtroom. No court-appointed attorney for our foster kids. An advocacy group rates Washington state 48 th - that is right: 48 th  - when it comes to giving our vulnerable foster children a legal voice.

Senate Bill 6126 would change this practice and help children understand their rights when deciding where and with whom they live. These children deserve a voice.

With so much rhetoric about creating a future for our children, should we not demonstrate concern too, about creating a safe present for them? Offering appropriate care means giving foster children a voice in the courtroom, helping them understand possibilities and legal choices. When a child lives in a safe and stable environment, they have much more time to enjoy their childhood and dream about their futures.

(S-R photo)

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "EndNotes." Read all stories from this blog