II
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 961
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 12, 2011
Mr. Kerry (for himself, Mrs. Murray, and Mr. Begich) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
A BILL
To create the income security conditions and family supports needed to ensure permanency for the Nation’s unaccompanied youth, and for other purposes.
Short title; etc
Short title
This Act may be cited
as the Reconnecting Youth to Prevent
Homelessness Act of 2011
.
Table of contents
Sec. 1. Short title; etc.
TITLE I—Prevention of Unaccompanied Situations Among Child Welfare Groups
Sec. 101. Curtailment of involuntary separation of children from their families.
Sec. 102. GAO report on unaccompanied youth access to the child welfare system.
Sec. 103. Discharge from child welfare system.
Sec. 104. Demonstration project for improving permanency for youth in foster care.
Sec. 105. Expansion of eligibility to participate in Good Neighbor Next Door program for foster care alumni.
Sec. 106. Demonstration project for improving family relationships and reducing homelessness for LGBT youth.
TITLE II—Extension of Child Welfare Services to Older Youth
Sec. 201. Eligibility for foster care maintenance payments, adoption assistance payments, and kinship guardianship assistance through age 20.
Sec. 202. Improvements to John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.
TITLE III—Young Family Concerns
Sec. 301. TANF State plan amendment.
Sec. 302. Adult-supervised living arrangements.
Sec. 303. Suspension of time limit for young adult parent involved in education or training.
Sec. 304. Transitional compliance.
Sec. 305. Sanction protections for minor parents.
Sec. 306. Teen parent study and report.
TITLE IV—Work Opportunities
Sec. 401. Inclusion of homeless youth as qualified population for Work Opportunity Credit.
TITLE V—Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Sec. 501. Limitation on use of social security or supplemental security income benefits paid to representative payees on behalf of foster children for State costs.
Sec. 502. Screening of foster children for eligibility for social security and supplemental security income benefits.
Sec. 503. Notice to attorney or guardian ad litem for foster child of determination to pay social security or supplemental security income benefits to representative payee.
Sec. 504. Management of social security and supplemental security income benefits for foster children.
Sec. 505. Support and maintenance furnished in cash or in kind disregarded in determining income of foster children under the supplemental security income program.
Sec. 506. Technical assistance for Child Welfare Agencies.
Sec. 507. Effective dates.
Prevention of Unaccompanied Situations Among Child Welfare Groups
Curtailment of involuntary separation of children from their families
Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended—
by striking
and
at the end of paragraph (26);
by striking the
period at the end of paragraph (27) and inserting ; and
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
provides that the State shall have in effect such laws and procedures as are necessary to ensure that—
a child may not be placed in foster care under the responsibility of the State solely because the family with which the child is living is homeless (as defined in paragraph (2) of section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a)) or living in substandard housing (as defined in section 204(b)(11) of the National Housing Act) or a dwelling unit that is experiencing severe physical problems (as defined in subparagraph (F) of such section); and
the State will work with the family and State housing authorities to secure permanent housing for any family that includes a minor child and is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
.
GAO report on unaccompanied youth access to the child welfare system
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate on the policies and practices of States regarding access to child welfare services (including services related to foster care and adoption) that are financed pursuant to part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) by children who have attained 13 years of age and that considers the use of runaway and homeless situations, as well as status as domestic minor victims of sex trafficking, as risk assessment factors for determining the appropriateness of placement in the child welfare system. Such report shall include—
an inventory of such policies and practices;
an assessment of the effectiveness of such policies and practices; and
recommendations for such Federal or State legislation or administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
Discharge from child welfare system
State Plans Required To Describe State Policies and Procedures Regarding Runaway or Missing Foster Children
Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)), as amended by section 101, is amended—
by striking
and
at the end of paragraph (27);
by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (28) and inserting ;
and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
describes the written policies and procedures of the State that are designed to reduce the incidence of children missing or running away from foster care, and to locate and return such children to foster placements.
.
Judicial Review of Permanency Plan for Child Leaving Foster Care
Section 475(5)(C) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(C)) is amended—
by striking
and (iii)
and inserting (iii)
; and
by inserting
before the semicolon at the end the following: ; and (iv) procedural
safeguards shall be applied to assure that the final permanency hearing
regarding the transition of the child from foster care to a planned, permanent
living arrangement or independent living is held in a family or juvenile court
or another court (including a tribal court) of competent
jurisdiction;
.
Review of Steps Taken To Ensure Appropriate Housing for Children Leaving Foster Care
Section 475(5)(C)(iii) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
675(5)(C)(iii)) is amended by inserting , and reviews all documentation
of the efforts to secure a permanent living arrangement for the child upon
emancipation from foster care
before ; and
.
Modification of Case Plan Requirements
Section 475(1)(D) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 675(1)(D)) is amended to read as follows:
Where appropriate, for a child who has attained 14 years of age (and, at State option, any other child), a written description of the programs and services that will facilitate the transition of the child from foster care to independent living, including age-appropriate adolescent health services, which include services to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, as part of a general health plan, and a discussion of the appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child under the plan. The plan for such child shall also include documentation of the steps the agency is taking to ensure a permanent placement with a family or other adult connection for the child, and a permanent living arrangement. In the case of a child who has attained 17 years of age or with a permanency goal of emancipation, the plan shall include documentation of the child's permanent living arrangement upon emancipation.
.
Demonstration project for improving permanency for youth in foster care
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a demonstration project to develop multi-State working groups to conduct research and develop policy recommendations for the support and enhancement of long-term permanency planning for children in foster care.
Duration and scope
Duration
The Secretary shall conduct the demonstration project for a period of 5 years.
Scope
The Secretary shall designate not more than 5 working groups to participate in the demonstration project, with each working group to be established by and operated between 2 or more States.
Application
A group of 2 or more States that desires to participate in the demonstration project shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Recommendations
The recommendations developed by a working group participating in the demonstration project shall include consideration of methods for improvement and enhancement in the following areas:
The home study process for screening of prospective foster care parents, guardians, and adoptive parents, including the development of a standardized home study process.
Visitation policies for children in foster care and their biological parents.
Standardization of temporary or provisional licensing for foster care parents.
Streamlining the application process for prospective foster care parents and reducing the length of time required for approval through the application process.
Coordination of administrative processes, including the development of a standard data exchange to allow for greater efficiency in the transfer of relevant data, information, and paperwork between States, foster care agencies, and other relevant State agencies.
Any other areas determined appropriate by the Secretary.
Authorization of appropriations
For the period of fiscal years 2012 through 2016, there is authorized to be appropriated a total of $50,000,000 to the Secretary to carry out the demonstration project under this section.
Definitions
In this section:
Demonstration project
The term demonstration project means the demonstration project conducted under this section.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
State
The term State means any of the 50 States or the District of Columbia.
Expansion of eligibility to participate in Good Neighbor Next Door program for foster care alumni
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall revise subpart F of part 291 of its regulations (24 C.F.R. 291) to provide that individuals who have been under the responsibility of the State foster care system but are no longer under the responsibility of the State due to having attained the age of majority, and who have attained a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education in the United States, qualify to purchase a home through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.
Demonstration project for improving family relationships and reducing homelessness for LGBT youth
In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary) shall establish a demonstration project to develop programs that are focused on improving family relationships and reducing homelessness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, including—
research-based behavioral interventions that are designed to decrease rejecting behaviors and increase supportive behaviors in families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth in order to ensure that such youth maintain residence in their homes;
research-based assessment tools to help identify lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth that are at risk for family conflict or ejection from their homes;
research-based family educational tools and resources to help families learn about—
behaviors that may place lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth at risk; and
alternative behaviors that promote positive development for such youth; and
multimedia educational tools and resources that are—
based on research regarding supportive and rejecting behaviors in families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth; and
focused on helping a diverse range of families understand how their words, actions, and behaviors affect the survival and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.
Duration
The Secretary shall conduct the demonstration project for a period of 5 years.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for purposes of carrying out the demonstration project under this section.
Extension of Child Welfare Services to Older Youth
Eligibility for foster care maintenance payments, adoption assistance payments, and kinship guardianship assistance through age 20
Definition of child
Effective as if included in the enactment of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–351), section 475(8) of the Social Security Act (as added by section 201(a) of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008) is amended to read as follows:
The term child means—
a minor child; and
an individual who has reached the legal age of majority but has not attained 21 years of age and is under the responsibility of the State.
.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
Section 472 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 672) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
Eligibility
Each State with a plan approved under this part shall make foster care maintenance payments on behalf of—
each child who is an individual described in section 475(8)(A) who has been removed from the home of a relative specified in section 406(a) (as in effect on July 16, 1996) into foster care if the removal and foster care placement met, and the placement continues to meet, the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection, and the child, while in the home, would have met the AFDC eligibility requirement of paragraph (3); and
each child who is an individual described in section 475(8)(B) who has entered foster care under the responsibility of the State if the child would have met the AFDC eligibility requirement of paragraph (3) on the day before the date on which the child reached the legal age of majority and the foster care placement met and continues to meet the requirements of paragraph (5) of this subsection.
;
in the heading of
paragraph (2), by inserting applicable
to minors
after requirements
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Foster care placement requirements applicable to children who have attained the age of majority
The foster care placement of a child who is an individual described in section 475(8)(B) meets the requirements of this paragraph if—
the foster care placement is in accordance with a voluntary placement agreement entered into by the individual;
the individual’s placement and care meet the requirement of paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection; and
the individual has been placed in a foster family home, child-care institution, or dwelling described in subsection (b)(3)(C); or
the individual has secured a dwelling described in subsection (b)(3)(D).
;
in subsection (b)—
by striking
or
at the end of paragraph (1);
by striking the
period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting , or
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
in the case of a child who is an individual described in section 475(8)(B)—
in a home described in paragraph (1), in accordance with the payment rules set forth in paragraph (1);
in an institution described in paragraph (2), in accordance with the payment rules set forth in paragraph (2);
in a dwelling operated by an agency that provides social services to children and their families which supplements, supports, or substitutes parental care and supervision for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and that meets such standards for licensure or approval as are established by the State for the provision of the services, whether the payments therefor are made to the agency or directly to the individual; or
in housing rented or leased by the individual.
;
in subsection (e),
by inserting minor
before child who
; and
in subsection (f)—
in paragraph (1)—
by
striking a minor
and inserting a child
;
and
by
striking the minor
and inserting the child (or, if the
child has attained 18 years of age, the child himself or herself)
;
and
in paragraph (2)—
by
striking a minor child
and inserting a child (or, if the
child has attained 18 years of age, the child himself or herself)
;
and
by
inserting (if the child is a minor)
after obligations of
the parents or guardians
.
Adoption Assistance Payments
In general
Section 473(a)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 673(a)(1)(A))
is amended by inserting who have not attained 21 years of age
after special needs
.
Conforming amendment
Effective as if included in the enactment of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–351), section 473(a)(4) of the Social Security Act (as amended by section 201(c) of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008) is amended to read as follows:
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a payment may not be made pursuant to this section to parents or relative guardians with respect to a child—
who has attained 21 years of age;
who has not attained 21 years of age, if the State determines that the parents or relative guardians, as the case may be, are no longer legally responsible for the support of the child; or
if the State determines that the child is no longer receiving any support from the parents or relative guardians, as the case may be.
Parents or relative guardians who have been receiving adoption assistance payments or kinship guardianship assistance payments under this section shall keep the State or local agency administering the program under this section informed of circumstances which would, pursuant to this subsection, make them ineligible for the payments, or eligible for the payments in a different amount.
.
Conforming Amendment
Section 474(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 674(a)(1)) is
amended by striking under section 472 for children in foster family
homes or child-care institutions
and inserting in accordance
with section 472
.
Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
Improvements to John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
Increase in Annual Authorization Level
Section 477(h)(1) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
677(h)(1)) is amended by striking $140,000,000
and inserting
$200,000,000
.
Expansion of Eligibility for Services
Section 477 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1),
by striking 18
and inserting 14
;
in paragraph (5),
by striking between 18 and 21
and inserting who have
attained 18 years of age, and who have not attained 25 years of age
;
and
in paragraph (7),
by striking 16
and inserting 14
;
in
each of subsections (b)(3)(A) and (b)(3)(B), by striking 21
and
inserting 25
; and
in subsection (i)—
in paragraph (2),
by striking youths who, after attaining 16 years of age, are adopted
from, or enter kinship guardianship from, foster care
and inserting
youths in or exiting from foster care after attaining 14 years of
age
; and
by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively.
Eligibility of Private Service Providers for Funds
Section 477(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Distribute funds provided to the State under this section among a diverse range of qualified providers of services that are private entities, and ensure that the entities have equal opportunity to receive the funds.
.
Expansion of Program Evaluations
Section 477(g)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(g)(1)) is amended—
in
the first sentence, by inserting , and of model programs that focus on
improving outcomes for youth aging out of care in the areas of education,
employment, personal development, financial asset development, financial
management skills, and housing
after
significance
;
in the second
sentence, by striking and personal development
and inserting
mental and physical health, healthy relationships, personal development,
and housing, and on the use of room and board services and how the use of the
services improve housing outcomes for youth
; and
in
the third sentence, by inserting , where practicable,
before
random assignment
.
Improving Awareness of Available Services
Duties of the secretary
Section 477 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Distribution of Information About Other Related Programs
To improve access to the array of services available to youth transitioning out of foster care and assist States in leveraging available resources, the Secretary shall provide for the efficient distribution to States and local areas of information about Federal programs, other than the program established by this section, that may assist youth in their transition to self-sufficiency and provide guidance on how to access services under the programs.
.
Duties of the state
Section 477(b)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(b)(3)) is amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (G) through (K) as subparagraphs (H) through (L), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
A certification by the chief executive officer that, when or before a child leaves foster care under the responsibility of the State, the State will inform the child of the full range of available financial asset development, financial management, housing, counseling, health, public benefit employment, and education services, and other appropriate support and services for which the child is eligible.
.
Young Family Concerns
TANF State plan amendment
Section 402(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
Identify the education and training, living arrangement, and other services needs of individuals described in section 408(a)(5)(B)(ii) who are potentially eligible to receive assistance under the State program funded under this part and establish policies, procedures, and strategies to address the needs.
.
Adult-supervised living arrangements
Section 408(a)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)(5)(B)) is amended—
by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
Provision of adult-supervised living arrangement
In the case of an individual who is described in clause (ii), the State agency referred to in section 402(a)(4) shall provide or ensure the provision of a second chance home, maternity group home, transitional living youth project, or other appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangement, taking into consideration the needs, concerns, and wishes of the individual, unless the State agency determines that the individual’s current living arrangement is appropriate, and therefore, shall require that the individual and the minor child referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) reside in such living arrangement as a condition of the continued receipt of assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government (or in an alternative appropriate arrangement, should circumstances change and the current arrangement cease to be appropriate).
;
in clause (ii)—
by redesignating subclauses (III) and (IV) as subclauses (V) and (VI), respectively; and
by inserting after subclause (II) the following:
the individual is a homeless youth;
the individual is a street youth;
;
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (vi) and inserting after clause (ii) the following:
Disclosure of adult-supervised living arrangement options to individual
The State agency shall ensure that individuals described in subparagraph (A)(ii) who are applicants or recipients of assistance are fully informed of all adult-supervised living arrangement options that satisfy the requirement of this subsection, and provide the individual the opportunity to request a specific adult-supervised living arrangement.
Determination of adult-supervised living arrangement
In determining the appropriateness of the individual’s current living arrangement in clause (i) and considering the individual’s request for a specific adult-supervised living arrangement in clause (iii), the State agency shall provide a written explanation of the determination, including a statement regarding the right to appeal the determination under clause (v), to the individual, if the determination is other than the adult-supervised living arrangement requested by the individual.
Right to appeal adult-supervised living arrangement
If the State agency’s determination of appropriate adult-supervised living arrangement in clause (i) is other than the adult-supervised living arrangement requested by the individual in clause (iii), the individual shall have a right to appeal the State agency’s decision through appeal and dispute resolution mechanisms available in the State.
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Definitions
In this subparagraph:
Transitional living youth project
The term transitional living youth project has the same meaning as provided in section 387(6) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.
Homeless youth
The term homeless youth has the same meaning as provided in section 387(3) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.
Street youth
The term street youth has the same meaning as provided in section 387(5) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.
.
Suspension of time limit for young adult parent involved in education or training
Section 408(a)(7)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)(7)(B)) is amended—
in the heading, by
striking Minor child
exception
and inserting Age exceptions
; and
by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following:
a minor child, and not the head of a household or married to the head of a household; or
was pregnant or a parent, and—
had not attained 20 years of age, and was meeting all program requirements relating to education, training and living arrangements; or
had attained 20 but not 21 years of age, and was scheduled to complete all program requirements relating to education or training.
.
Transitional compliance
Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)) is amended—
in paragraph (4), by striking “if” and all that follows and inserting “if—
the individual does not participate in—
educational activities directed toward the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
an alternative educational or training program that has been approved by the State; and
91 days have elapsed since the State has notified the individual that the individual is in violation of this paragraph. During the 91-day period described in the preceding sentence, if the individual is otherwise (but for this paragraph) eligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part, the State shall treat such individual's application for such benefits as if the individual satisfied the requirements of subparagraph (A).
; and
in paragraph
(5)(A)(i), by inserting , and 91 days have elapsed since the State has
notified the individual that the individual is in violation of this paragraph.
During the 91-day period described in the preceding sentence, if the individual
is otherwise (but for this paragraph) eligible for assistance under the State
program funded under this part, the State shall treat such individual's
application for such benefits as if the individual satisfied the residence
requirements of the preceding sentence
before the period.
Sanction protections for minor parents
Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
A State to which a grant is made under section 403 of this Act shall not impose a sanction on a recipient of assistance under the State program funded under this part who is an individual described in paragraph (4) or (5)(B)(ii) of this subsection and whose household includes a minor who has received assistance under the State program funded under this part, under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, or under any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)), unless the State has established procedures that help recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part understand, avoid, or end sanctions, and has applied the procedures to the recipient.
.
Teen parent study and report
Section 413 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 613) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Teen Parent Study and Report
Study of tanf recipients
The Secretary shall conduct a study of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this part who are parents and have not attained 20 years of age to determine the following:
Whether State data on the number of such recipients is accurately reflected in Federal data, including an examination of the extent to which such recipients who are members of a family are not reflected in the data, and an examination of the extent to which Federal estimation methods do not reflect the number of such recipients in a State.
What assessment procedures are utilized with such recipients, and whether there appear to be best practices that consider such issues as whether the recipient has an educational barrier such as a learning disability or mental health problem.
Whether localities appear to have adequate and appropriate services that meet the needs of such recipients in areas such as infant care, age-appropriate adolescent health, education, training, and mental health, for services such as appropriate housing, mental health, and alternative education, whether staff assist teen parents in researching and locating such services including an appropriate living arrangement, and the extent to which such recipients who have not completed high school or the equivalent are encouraged to engage in education or work.
How State rules providing that, in determining the eligibility of such recipients for such assistance, the income of the recipient is deemed to include the income of any parents with whom such recipient is living appear to have affected the extent to which such recipients who are members of a family with income less than 200 percent of the poverty line (as defined in section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, including any revision required by such section, applicable to a family of the size involved) are able to participate in State programs funded under this part.
Demographic information such as—
the age of such recipients;
the amount of time such recipients received such assistance in a given year;
the number of children that such recipients have;
school attainment by such recipients, by age;
the employment status of such recipients, such as whether a recipient has ever worked or has worked while in school;
the child care arrangements of such recipients; and
the living arrangements of such recipients.
Study of low-income teen parents who are not tanf recipients
The Secretary shall conduct a study of a representative sample of low-income (as determined by the Secretary) teen parents who are not recipients of assistance under a State program funded under this part, to determine the following:
Whether the teen parent sought to apply for such assistance.
Whether a teen parent who indicated to a State a desire to apply for such assistance received an application for such assistance.
Whether a teen parent who applied for such assistance was subsequently contacted by the State agency responsible for operating a State program funded under this part.
Report to congress
In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that contains
the findings of the studies required by this subsection and recommendations
regarding such issues as how to improve data reporting, State plans, State
best practice
information sharing, and assessments.
Advisory group
The Secretary shall establish an advisory group consisting of representatives from organizations that work with parents who have not attained 20 years of age, to provide advice to the Secretary on questions relating to such parents that should be investigated and to provide comments to accompany the recommendations contained in the report under subparagraph (A).
.
Work Opportunities
Inclusion of homeless youth as qualified population for Work Opportunity Credit
In General
Paragraph (1) of section 51(d) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking or
at the end of
subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (I) and
inserting , or
, and adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
a qualified homeless youth.
.
Qualified Homeless Youth
Subsection (d) of section 51 of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (13) as paragraphs (12) through (14), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraph:
Qualified homeless youth
The term qualified homeless youth means any individual who is certified by the designated local agency—
as having attained age 16 but not age 25 on the hiring date; and
as being described in paragraph (2) of section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph, on the hiring date.
.
Effective Date
The amendments made by this section shall apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Limitation on use of social security or supplemental security income benefits paid to representative payees on behalf of foster children for State costs
Amendments to title II
Exception to prohibition on assignments, etc
Section 207 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 407) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a payment made by a representative payee to reimburse a State as described in section 205(j)(9)(B)(i), but only to the extent that the payment is—
not prohibited by section 205(j)(9)(B)(i); and
made available, distributed, and applied in accordance with section 205(j)(9)(B)(iii).
.
Limitation on use of social security benefits
Section 205(j)(9) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 405(j)(9)) is amended—
by inserting
(A)
after (9)
; and
by adding at the end the following:
A State or local government agency serving in any State as a representative payee under this subsection with respect an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of the State shall not use any (or, if the individual has not attained 14 years of age, more than 50 percent of any) benefits paid to the representative payee pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection to reimburse the State for—
foster care maintenance payments made pursuant to section 472; or
other payments made by the State or political subdivision of the State to cover any other cost or expense for an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of the State.
An expense described in paragraph (4)(A)(i) of this subsection or section 1631(a)(2)(D) shall not be considered a cost or expense for purposes of clause (i) of this subparagraph.
In any case in which the State or local government agency referred to in clause (i) determines that any portion of such individual’s benefit under this title which is held by such agency in accordance with this subsection would be available under the provisions of this subsection (other than this clause) to reimburse government costs in connection with such foster care, any amount of such portion of such benefit shall be available for such reimbursement only to the extent that such amount is made available to supplement, and not to replace, any amounts otherwise available from non-Federal sources to meet such government costs. Any amount of such reimbursement shall not be distributed into the general funds of the agency or the State or local government and may be applied only so as to increase funding for foster care services provided by the State or local government.
.
Amendments to title XVI
Applicability of title II exception to prohibition on assignments, etc
Section 1631(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(d)(1)) is amended—
by inserting
(A)
after (1)
;
by striking
The provisions of
and inserting Subject to subparagraph
(B), the provisions of
; and
by inserting at the end the following new subparagraph:
Subsection (a) of section 207 shall not apply to a payment made by a representative payee to reimburse a State as described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv)(II) of this section, but only to the extent that such payment is—
not prohibited by subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv)(II) of this section; and
made available, distributed, and applied in accordance with subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv)(IV) of this section.
.
Limitation on use of SSI benefits
Section 1631(a)(2)(A)(iv) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(a)(2)(A)(iv)) is amended—
by inserting
(I)
after (iv)
; and
by inserting at the end the following new subclauses:
Subject to subclauses (III) and (IV), a State or local government agency serving in any State as a representative payee under this subsection with respect an eligible individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of the State shall not use any (or, if the individual has not attained 14 years of age, more than 50 percent of any) benefits paid to the representative payee pursuant to clause (ii) to reimburse the State for—
foster care maintenance payments made pursuant to section 472; or
other payments made by a State or political subdivision of a State to cover any other cost or expense for an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of the State.
For purposes of subclause (II)(bb), an expense described in subparagraph (D) or section 205(j)(4)(A)(i) shall not be considered a cost or expense.
For purposes of subclause (II), if a State or local government agency determines that an amount of an individual’s benefit under this title that is held by the agency in accordance with this paragraph would be available under the provisions of this paragraph (other than this subclause) to reimburse government costs in connection with the foster care, such amount shall be available for such reimbursement only to the extent that the amount is made available to supplement, and not to replace, any amounts otherwise available from non-Federal sources to meet the government costs. Any amount of the reimbursement shall not be distributed into the general funds of the agency or the State or local government and may be applied only so as to increase funding for foster care services provided by such State or local government.
.
Screening of foster children for eligibility for social security and supplemental security income benefits
State plan requirement
Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended—
by striking
and
at the end of paragraph (32);
by striking the
period at the end of paragraph (33) and inserting ; and
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
provides that, not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of the Reconnecting Youth to Prevent Homelessness Act of 2011, the State agency described in paragraph (2) shall—
develop and implement procedures to ensure that, within 60 days after the status of a child who is in foster care under the responsibility of the State is first reviewed pursuant to the procedures described in section 475(5)(B), the child is screened to determine their potential eligibility for benefits under title II and for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI; and
if such screening results in a determination that the child is potentially eligible for any such benefits—
provide the child with assistance in applying for and, as necessary, appealing any decisions made with respect to such benefits; and
if there is no other suitable candidate available, apply to become the representative payee for the child with respect to such benefits.
.
GAO study
In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to determine whether States have substantially complied with the amendments made by this section during the 6-year period following enactment of this Act, including whether States have—
established successful procedures that screen all foster children under the responsibility of the States for their potential eligibility for benefits under title II of the Social Security Act and for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of such Act;
provided all such potentially eligible foster children assistance in applying for, and appealing decisions made with respect to, the benefits; and
implemented procedures to identify suitable nongovernmental candidates to serve as representative payees for children in foster care with respect to the benefits.
Report to the Congress
Not later than 1 year after completion of the study described in paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report containing the results of such study.
Notice to attorney or guardian ad litem for foster child of determination to pay social security or supplemental security income benefits to representative payee
Amendment to title II
Section 205(j)(2)(E)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 405(j)(2)(E)(ii)) is amended by inserting , except that, in the
case of an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of a
State, such notice shall also be provided to the attorney or guardian ad litem
appointed to represent the individual pursuant to section 106(b)(2)(A)(xiii) of
the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and, if the individual has
attained 14 years of age, to the individual
before the period.
Amendment to title XVI
Section 1631(a)(2)(B)(xii) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1383(a)(2)(B)(xii)) is amended by inserting , except that, in the case
of an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of a State,
such notice shall also be provided to the attorney or guardian ad litem
appointed to represent the individual pursuant to section 106(b)(2)(A)(xiii) of
the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and, if the individual has
attained 14 years of age, to the individual
before the period.
Management of social security and supplemental security income benefits for foster children
Plan for achieving self-Support
Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)), as amended by section 502(a) of this Act, is amended—
by striking
and
at the end of paragraph (33);
by striking the
period at the end of paragraph (34) and inserting ; and
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
provides that, with respect to each child in foster care under the responsibility of the State who is a recipient of benefits under title II or supplemental security income benefits under title XVI, the State agency shall develop a plan is individually designed to best meet the current and future needs of the child and enable the child to achieve self-support after leaving foster care, in accordance with the following requirements:
The plan shall set forth a strategy to conserve benefits not necessary for the immediate needs of the child, as determined pursuant to clause (ii), in a manner that best meets the future needs and educational and employment interests of the child, and for the placement of any such benefits in an account of the type described in section 1631(a)(2)(F).
The plan shall provide for a determination as to whether the child has immediate needs for which such benefits should be used consistent with sections 205(j)(10)(B) and 1631(a)(2)(A)(iv).
The plan shall provide that any assets set aside under the plan shall be conserved, remain inaccessible to the child (with the exception of any allowable expenses described in section 1631(a)(2)(F)(ii)(II) or any other use approved by the Secretary as being in the best interests of the child), and placed in the account described in clause (i) of this subparagraph, until the later of the date that the child attains 18 years of age or ceases to be under the responsibility of the State, at which time any assets subject to the plan shall be accessible to the child to—
secure and maintain stable housing;
pursue educational opportunities, including job training, vocational training, or obtaining a professional license;
purchase a vehicle;
operate a business;
pay for employment-related costs, including the cost of uniforms, insurance, licenses, or complying with licensing requirements;
pay for medical or health-related expenses; or
pay for any expenses reasonably expected to assist the child in becoming self-sufficient.
The State agency shall—
develop and implement the plan in collaboration with the child (on an age-appropriate basis), the social worker for the child, the person acting as the representative payee for the child pursuant to section 205(j) or 1631(a)(2), and the attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child pursuant to section 106(b)(2)(A)(xiii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; and
in developing and implementing the plan, make reasonable efforts to seek input from the parents and caretakers of the child.
The State agency shall complete the plan not later than 60 days after the status of the child is first reviewed pursuant to the procedures described in section 475(5)(B).
The State agency shall ensure that each subsequent review of the status of the child includes consideration of an updated version of the plan and a report on the progress made in implementing such plan.
Following completion of the plan, the State agency shall provide a copy of the plan to the attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child pursuant to section 106(b)(2)(A)(xiii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act no later than 30 days prior to the subsequent review of the status of the child under the procedures described in section 475(5)(B).
Not later than 30 days prior to each subsequent review, the State agency shall provide an updated copy of the plan to the attorney or guardian ad litem so appointed.
The child may request the plan to be modified as part of a review of their status under the procedures described in section 475(5)(B), through a separate hearing, or as part of a permanency hearing under the procedures described in section 475(5)(C).
For purposes of any administrative or judicial review proceeding, the plan shall not be treated as meeting the requirements of this paragraph with respect to a child unless the plan is determined by the reviewer to be the best available means of meeting the current and future needs and educational and employment interests of the child.
.
Provisions relating to representative payees
Amendments to title II
Section 205(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(j)), as amended by sections 501(a)(2) and 503(a), is further amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as paragraphs (9), (10), and (11), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new paragraph:
For purposes of benefits paid to a representative payee under paragraph (1) on behalf of an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of a State, the representative payee shall manage such benefits in accordance with the plan developed for the individual pursuant to section 471(a)(35).
.
Amendment to title XVI
Section 1631(a)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
For purposes of benefits paid to a representative payee under subparagraph (A)(ii) on behalf of an individual who is in foster care under the responsibility of a State, the representative payee shall manage such benefits in accordance with the plan developed for the individual pursuant to section 471(a)(35).
.
Exclusion from resources under the SSI program
Section 1613(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382b(a)) is amended—
by striking
and
at the end of paragraph (15);
by striking the
period at the end of paragraph (16) and inserting ; and
;
and
by inserting after paragraph (16) the following:
any assets managed on behalf of an eligible individual in accordance with a plan developed for such individual pursuant to section 471(a)(35).
.
Exclusion from resource limitation
Subparagraph (B) of section 472(a)(3) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 672(a)(3)) is amended by inserting , and
excluding any assets held in an account that has been established pursuant to
paragraph (35) of section 471(a) and managed in accordance with a plan
developed under such paragraph
after as so in
effect
.
Support and maintenance furnished in cash or in kind disregarded in determining income of foster children under the supplemental security income program
Section 1612(a)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382a(a)(2)(A)) is amended—
by striking
another nonprofit organization, and
and inserting another
nonprofit organization,
; and
by inserting
, and (iv) clause (i) shall not apply in the case of a child who is in
foster care under the responsibility of a State
before the semicolon at
the end.
Technical assistance for Child Welfare Agencies
In general
Pursuant to a request by a State agency that is responsible for administering, or supervising the administration of, the program authorized by part E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide such agency with technical assistance in carrying out the amendments made by this Act.
Authorization of Appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2013, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
Effective dates
In general
Except as provided in subsection (b) or as otherwise provided, the amendments made by this Act shall apply to benefits payable for months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
State plan requirements relating to plans for achieving self-Support
In general
The amendments made by section 504(a) of this Act shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to payments under part E of title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning after such first day.
Delay permitted if State legislation required
If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in order for a State plan approved under part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by section 504(a) of this Act, the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. If the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.