Foster parents push for vaccination rule change
Web Producer: Mekita Rivas
PHOENIX (AP) - A group of parents barred from adopting or fostering kids in Arizona's child-welfare system because they won't vaccinate their own children are pushing for chances in state law.
Susann Van Tienderen and Gina Apilado say the state violates its own rules by refusing to consider potential foster families whose biological children have medical exemptions from immunization rules. Both women's families want to adopt children from Arizona foster care.
Sen. Nancy Barto and Rep. Debbie Lesko met with Department of Economic Security officials this month and say they're drafting companion bills to introduce during the upcoming session.
The DES says the rules are meant to protect foster children who may not be completely immunized.
The legislation eliminates the vaccination requirement as a licensing condition to become a foster parent.
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