Choosing to take in and raise a child that isn't your own is a big decision.

Lawmakers are now a step closer to making that decision easier.

Kentuckians who choose to take in a grandchild or raise someone who isn't related to them can receive financial assistance from the state, but only if the caregiver chooses to become a certified foster parent as soon as a child is removed from their home.

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Rocky Adams, sponsor of Senate Bill 151, wants to change that.

The intent of Senate Bill 151 is to incorporate this flexibility into relative and fictive kin placement options by allowing our caregivers the opportunity to change their placement status from temporary custody to a child specific foster home as necessary.

And this is the important point.

This flexibility will close the services, supports and resource this gap that is currently plaguing many of our Kentucky families.

No.

Vote for this because of the respect I had for four grandparents across this Commonwealth.

You know, many of them are at the point in life where they think they're going to take life a little bit easier and the sudden responsibility for grandchildren thrust upon them.

And we all know what happens time after time after time in Kentucky.

And for us not to provide them the resources.

So just to deserve that.

But know the folks, it's just unconscionable.

This is a good bill.

It'll help children.

It'll help grandparents in the end.

It'll help our commonwealth.

Senate Bill 151 also gives displaced children more say in their foster care experience.

Removed children would be allowed to submit a list of family members and friends they could potentially live with.

The bill unanimously passed the full Senate today and now heads to the House for consideration there.