HANOVER, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Legislation chiefly sponsored by Charlottesville Delegate Katrina Callsen inspired by what happened in Augusta County to 3-year old Khaleesi Cuthriell was the subject of a signing ceremony by Governor Youngkin. A signing ceremony is rare for a bill sponsored by a freshman legislator in their first General Assembly session, but the kinship foster care legislation enjoyed unanimous support from both sides of the aisle. Governor Youngkin signed her House Bill 27 as well as northern Virginia veteran Democrat Barbara Favola’s Senate Bill 39.

The signing of the legislation sets a framework for placing children with relatives rather than foster care. Khaleesi’s mother, upon going to jail, wanted to place Khaleesi with her sister… but social services denied that because the sister had become caregiver for three other children. Callsen said she’s been a DSS attorney in Charlottesville and has handled hundreds of cases. She said she’s seen children in courtrooms, and seen the way they react when they’re able to turn to someone they know to comfort them as they receive news about what their future holds. In addition to signing Callsen’s and Favola’s legislation, the Governor also proclaimed May Foster Care Awareness Month.

Click here for more about Delegate Callsen’s legislation.