S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 9I.5 of S.L. 2021-180 provides that the Division of Social Services, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), can continue providing, of the funds available for foster care services, for the financial support of children deemed to be (i) in a permanent family placement setting, (ii) eligible for legal guardianship, and (iii) otherwise unlikely to receive permanency. This section clarifies no additional expenses must be incurred beyond the funds budgeted for foster care for the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP). GAP includes provisions for extending guardianship services for individuals and youth who exited foster care through GAP after 14 years of age or who have attained the age of 18 years and opt to continue to receive guardianship services until reaching 21 years of age if the individual meets specified criteria.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.