CBS2 | By CBS2 News Staff
Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher introduced the Promoting Access to Recreation for Kids in Foster Settings (PARKS) Act. The legislation would add licensed foster care families to the list of those who can freely access America the Beautiful passes, tickets to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
“Lifting the fee for foster care children to access these natural wonders,” Congressman Fulcher wrote, “…would provide them with immense benefits, such as enhanced educational resources and improved school readiness.”
In 2024, the latest year for which there is data, there were over 320,000 children in foster care. These children experienced difficult family circumstances and may be struggling. Evidence has shown that access to the outdoors can benefit children’s physical and mental health, as well as their concentration and school readiness.
To read the full story, click here.