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Bill

HB 1777

Children's Ombudsman, Office of the; foster youth's right to receive information.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Austin and 6 co-sponsors

Virginia establishes Children's Ombudsman authority and guarantees foster youth access to their case information, health records, education files, and legal proceedings documentation.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0200)
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Bill Summary · HB 1777

Legislative bill overview

HB 1777 establishes or modifies the Office of the Children's Ombudsman in Virginia and guarantees foster youth the right to receive information about their cases, health, education, and legal proceedings. The bill ensures foster youth have access to documents and communications that affect their care and decision-making.

Why is this important

Foster youth are among the most vulnerable populations in the child welfare system, often lacking transparency about decisions affecting their lives. Providing access to case information empowers youth to advocate for themselves, understand their circumstances, and make informed decisions about their futures, while also promoting accountability in the foster care system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Creating or expanding an ombudsman office requires state funding for staff and operations during budget constraints
  • Agency burden: Child welfare agencies may face increased administrative workload responding to information requests from foster youth and the ombudsman
  • Information sensitivity: Determining what information is "appropriate" to share with minors raises questions about balancing transparency with protecting sensitive details about biological families or case workers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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