H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 9J.4 of S.L. 2023-134 allows the Department of Health and Human Services to use funds available for foster care to provide for financial support for children who are (i) in a permanent family placement setting, (ii) eligible for legal guardianship, and (iii) otherwise unlikely to receive permanency. No additional expenses can be incurred beyond the funds budgeted for foster care for the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP). This amount will include 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, provided the individual is (i) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential, (ii) enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education, (iii) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment, (iv) employed for at least 80 hours per month, or (v) incapable of completing the educational or employment requirements due to a medical condition or disability.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.