FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1259

C 192 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing provision of independent living services for persons through age twenty who have been in foster care.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Tokuda, Boldt, Kagi, Schual‑Berke, Kenney, Lambert and Edwards; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).

House Committee on Children & Family Services

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

The federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (P.L. 106 -169) allows states to extend Medicaid coverage to young people between the ages of 18 and 21 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.  The act also allows states to provide independent living services, including room and board, to young people up to age 21 who become age 18 while in foster care, or are "likely to remain in foster care until age 18."

Independent living services are designed to assist young people as they transition to adulthood.  Services may include:  assistance with obtaining a high school diploma; vocational training; daily living skills training; and counseling.  Approximately 100 youth up to age 21 are provided independent living services each month by the Children's Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Summary:

Young people up to age 21 who have been in foster care are made eligible for the array of independent living services created by the federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999.

Examples of independent living services are provided.  Requirements are established for program and recipient accountability.  Each recipient must develop a written plan for achieving independent living and may be declared ineligible for failing to consistently adhere to the plan.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate480(Senate amended)

House900(House concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001