Where Data Tells the Story
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What We’re Showing
This map tracks which U.S. states have adopted formal “Proper Luggage” standards to ensure children entering foster care receive appropriate bags instead of trash bags.
More than 200,000 children enter foster care each year, and in many states, they are still given trash bags to carry their belongings during removal or placement changes. Day 1 Bags is working to change that by advocating for statewide Proper Luggage legislation, corporate partnerships, and working with communities to make proper luggage the standard, not the exception.
Key Takeaways
1. Children in foster care experience trash bag moments at entry, during placement changes, and exit of the system.
2. Texas became the first state to pass a Proper Luggage Bill in 2023, followed by Oregon, Maryland, New York, and Washington DC.
3. Many states still lack formal requirements, have sustained action, leaving thousands of children to carry their belongings in trash bags each year while in foster care, through multiple transition moments.
4. The largest foster care systems produce the highest number of moves, where children are still forced to carry their belongings without proper luggage.