Virginia Governor Signs Bipartisan Child Welfare Reforms  

On May 15, 2025, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation to implement aspects of the “Safe Kids, Strong Families” initiative to reform the child welfare system. The reforms include kinship care expansion, youth empowerment, and systemic reform. The legislation addresses youth empowerment in two ways: increased access to the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, and expanded eligibility for children identified as “children in need of services.” ;

To empower foster youth and give them greater access to contact the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, on May 22, 2205, Governor Youngkin signed House Bill 1777 and Senate Bill 1406 . . .