Bill > S221

This bill establishes the "Home Works Program" to support children aged five to fourteen who are residing in motels and hotels through the Emergency Assistance program. The program will allow "Youth Serving Organizations" – defined as tax-exempt organizations providing activities for those under 18 – and licensed or unlicensed "Out of School Time Programs" and "Summer Programs" (which offer daily weekday programs for those under 18 before/after school, during school vacations, or during the summer) to apply for funded slots. These slots will be funded at a minimum of 75% of the local market rate for such services and will also cover transportation costs to and from the programs, with programs needing to meet specific transportation requirements. The Department will maintain a waitlist of eligible children to fill program slots, and if a program cannot meet transportation needs, it may offer services on-site at the motel or an alternative acceptable location. All staff working directly with children in these programs will be required to pass a criminal background check, including a check of the National Sexual Offender Registry, and the Home Works Program will be funded separately from existing Emergency Assistance funds.