RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin commemorated Foster Care Awareness Month by signing two related bills.

Youngkin signed House Bill 1744 and House Bill 1402 on Wednesday, May 24, in the Patrick Henry Building.

HB 1744 will allow a child in foster care to be transferred among localities and agencies at the request of a prospective foster parent. This will speed up the adoption process, according to supporters of the bill.

HB 1402 will require some colleges and universities to provide housing at no cost to students in foster care during summer months and school breaks.

“Foster care workers … are overworked and underpaid,” Youngkin said. “In cases where reunification with the birth family isn’t possible, you so often make these children a permanent part of your family.”

Youngkin was joined by a number of individuals who shared their own experiences with the foster care system.