Bill > H4117

This bill aims to provide immediate childcare assistance to homeless families by amending Chapter 15D of the General Laws. Specifically, it establishes that families residing in temporary shelters, which include various types of shelters provided by the department of housing and community development, the department of children and families, or domestic violence shelters, will automatically be considered to meet the department's requirements for subsidized full-time childcare. These families will be eligible for this subsidized childcare for at least six months while they are in shelter. After six months, families will need to have their financial and other non-service related eligibility factors verified to continue receiving assistance, and they may be required to contribute to the cost based on a sliding fee scale. Furthermore, families will continue to be considered eligible for subsidized childcare for 30 days after leaving shelter, and can continue receiving assistance beyond that period if they meet the department's income eligibility requirements for childcare subsidies. The department of early education and care is required to implement these changes through regulations or policies within 90 days of the bill's effective date.