Pair of Indiana laws eases life for former foster children

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two new Indiana laws are aimed at helping foster children who age out of the system without finding a permanent home or being reunited with their families.

The Journal Gazette reports that one of the new laws allows these 18-year-olds to automatically remain on Medicaid until age 26. That measure requires the Family and Social Services Administration to enroll the foster children before they age out and removes the requirement that they reapply every year.

The other law makes it easier for foster youth to get a driver’s license. Republican Sen. Andy Zay of Huntington, who proposed the legislation, says a driver’s license is important to give the kids the normalcy of getting a job, going to after-school activities or out on dates.