FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM H.B. 4481 (H-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
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House Bill 4481 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Brenda Clack
House Committee: Families and Children's Services
Senate Committee: Families and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would create the "Foster Care Independence Act" to do the following:
-- Require the Department of Human Service (DHS) to establish a foster care independence program for young adults (individuals at least 14 years old but under 21) who had been placed in foster care because of child abuse or neglect, to help them make the transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency.
-- Require the program to provide certain services, including help obtaining a high school diploma, assistance preparing for postsecondary education, vocational training, and life skills training, to young adults who were likely to age out of foster care.
-- Require the DHS to provide assistance, including classes on interpersonal communication and living skills, educational support, and stipends to cover first month's rent, utility deposits, and security deposits, to eligible young adults in the program.
Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. Creation of the foster care independence program, as described in the bill, would not require the Department of Human Services to provide any additional services to young adults in foster care beyond what is currently provided.
Date Completed: 3-13-08 Fiscal Analyst: David Fosdick
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb4481/0708