Bill > HB151

This bill amends the Children in Foster Care Act to establish comprehensive guidelines for managing benefits for children in foster care. The legislation requires county agencies to actively screen, apply for, and manage federal benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and veterans benefits for foster children within specific timeframes. County agencies must identify a representative payee, ensure benefits are used in the child's best interest, and avoid using these benefits to reimburse the Commonwealth for care costs. The bill mandates that agencies provide financial literacy training to foster children starting at age 14, maintain detailed quarterly accountings of benefit usage, and create individual financial accounts to protect the child's assets. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Human Services to develop implementation guidance through stakeholder collaboration, including best practices for disability screenings, benefit applications, and supporting children's rights. The legislation aims to improve financial management and support for foster children by ensuring they can access and preserve critical financial resources during and after their time in the foster care system, with a focus on transparency, individual needs, and long-term financial stability.

Education

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb151