Library Cards for Foster Children

LIBRARY CARDS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN

In August 2002, it became possible for children placed in foster homes in Los Angeles County to obtain library cards in their own names for the first time. Shamefully, in every other state and county in this country, foster children are denied their rights to obtain library cards.

Except in Los Angeles County, library administrators are unwilling to issue library cards to foster children because they fear fees and costs would be very high. Foster parents or guardians often refuse to sign for cards for their foster children. Understandably, they do not want to agree to pay any library fees for late or missing books if the foster children are moved to another placement.

To address these concerns, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Board of Supervisors, and Head Librarian developed an agreement to make DCFS responsible for any extra costs from library cards for foster children. After almost two years of issuing library cards to foster children, their data reveal that the actual costs are no different from those of other children. There is no acceptable rationale for discriminating against foster children and denying them equal access to our nation's libraries.

We are circulating this petition to encourage influential people like Governor Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey, the National Librarian and others to give this issue national exposure and support.

We want to ensure that the 550,000 foster children in our country have equal access to our nations libraries.

We want to ensure that across this nation all state and county governmental agencies develop and implement plans to issue library cards to foster children.

Please help us stop discrimination against foster children, who as much as any other children, deserve the right to the inspiration and views of a better life that library books can provide.