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House Panel Approves Driver's License Assistance For Foster Kids

Logyn Robinson
Florida Channel

The Florida House is taking steps to ensure foster kids can get their driver’s license.

Lawmakers established Keys to Independence in 2014 as a three year pilot program to help foster youth get behind the wheel.  The program covers fees, driver’s education and insurance.  Logyn Robinson is a senior in a Bradenton high school who lives in foster care group home.

“Though I already obtained my learner’s permit before coming into state care,” Robinson says, “it is relieving to know that I or my peers will not be constrained from acquiring a driver’s license.”

Esperanza Harb
Credit Florida Channel
Esperanza Harb

Esperanza Harb is 18 and entered the foster system two years ago.

“Just two years ago I did not want to learn how to drive,” Harb says, “knowing how crazy people drive—how people text and drive.  With Keys to Independence they offered me double time behind the wheel before I got my license so I could be prepared.”

Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R-Mount Dora) is backing the measure to make the pilot permanent.  Her proposal also extends coverage for six months after recipients turn 18.

Nick Evans came to Tallahassee to pursue a masters in communications at Florida State University. He graduated in 2014, but not before picking up an internship at WFSU. While he worked on his degree Nick moved from intern, to part-timer, to full-time reporter. Before moving to Tallahassee, Nick lived in and around the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. He listens to far too many podcasts and is a die-hard 49ers football fan. When Nick’s not at work he likes to cook, play music and read.