Bill > HF4206

This bill establishes an Extended Foster Care Services Grant Program, administered by the commissioner of children, youth, and families, to provide financial support and case management to eligible youth aged 21 to 27 who were in Minnesota foster care at age 14 or older and are not currently receiving Title IV-E foster placement. To be eligible for grants, community-based providers must demonstrate expertise with transition-age youth, maintain non-discrimination policies, ensure geographic access to services, meet performance metrics for education, employment, and housing stability, and adhere to training standards. Eligible youth must be pursuing education, employed, receiving treatment for mental health or substance use disorders, or facing documented barriers like disability or pregnancy, and must maintain monthly contact with a case manager. The program will provide monthly stipends for basic living expenses and education costs, adjusted for cost of living and inflation, with a gradual decrease after age 25. Grantees will also offer case management, financial literacy training, assistance with savings accounts, housing navigation, and transition planning starting at age 24. The bill requires various reports on program outcomes, costs, and equity, and appropriates funds for the program's implementation, with an effective date of July 1, 2028.