This bill establishes a new demonstration grant program under the Social Security Act, aiming to provide emergency relief to foster youth and enhance pre-placement services offered by foster care stabilization agencies. The Secretary is mandated to award three grants, each not exceeding $1,000,000, to eligible agencies for a three-year period. These grants are specifically designed to support foster youth awaiting placement and those up to 26 years of age, with special dissemination efforts for rural areas and among Indian Tribes. Grant funds can be utilized for various critical activities, including hiring personnel to deliver services, providing up to $250 annually per youth for clothing and personal necessities, and purchasing food and equipment. Additionally, funds may support services to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, and offer other extraordinary or emergency assistance to ensure the safety and self-sufficiency of foster youth. The Secretary must also submit a report to Congress detailing how grants were used, including data on necessities provided, case outcomes, and the number of home transfers for beneficiaries.
This bill establishes a new demonstration grant program under the Social Security Act, aiming to provide emergency relief to foster youth and enhance pre-placement services offered by foster care stabilization agencies. The Secretary is mandated to award three grants, each not exceeding $1,000,000, to eligible agencies for a three-year period. These grants are specifically designed to support foster youth awaiting placement and those up to 26 years of age, with special dissemination efforts for rural areas and among Indian Tribes. Grant funds can be utilized for various critical activities, including hiring personnel to deliver services, providing up to $250 annually per youth for clothing and personal necessities, and purchasing food and equipment. Additionally, funds may support services to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, and offer other extraordinary or emergency assistance to ensure the safety and self-sufficiency of foster youth. The Secretary must also submit a report to Congress detailing how grants were used, including data on necessities provided, case outcomes, and the number of home transfers for beneficiaries.