Missouri senators pass bill allowing kids to rejoin foster care

JEFFERSON CITY — Children leaving the foster care system after their 18th birthday would be able to return to state custody under a bill passed Thursday by the Missouri Senate.

Current law allows children to remain in the foster care system until they are 21, but it prevents re-entry if they leave after turning 18.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jolie Justus of Kansas City would allow those who leave the system to re-enter until they turn 21.

Justus said it allows children to come back home if they have a hard time in the “real world.”

The Senate sent the measure to the House with a 34-0 vote.