Bill > A00718

This bill amends the New York State Social Services Law to ensure that any cost of living adjustment (COLA) provided for foster child care reimbursement rates is automatically incorporated into future base payment rates. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Children and Family Services to include any annual cost of living adjustment as part of the next base payment rate for providing care to foster children, and to continue including this adjustment in subsequent maximum state aid rates. The adjustment will be in addition to any future cost of living adjustments or other factors like staff retention factors that may be applied to eligible programs. The provision aims to create a more stable and predictable funding mechanism for foster care providers by ensuring that cost of living increases are permanently built into the base reimbursement rates, rather than being treated as temporary or one-time increases. The bill takes effect immediately, with a technical provision about the potential future repeal of the amended section of law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A718