The Indiana Senate has unanimously passed a bill to give siblings in separate foster care an easier time visiting each other.

Bill sponsor Mike Delph of-Carmel says the proposal would encourage more contact between siblings in foster care and allow children in foster care to request visits if it is in their best interests.

It also would allow a special advocate to be appointed to represent the child. If the Department of Child Services denies a visit request, the child or advocate could petition a juvenile court to intervene. Under current state rules, sibling visitation is largely left to the discretion of case workers and guardians.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.