Foster Care Independence Act of 1999

P.L. 106-169

For insights into the Act as it relates to youth access to health care visit:
http://www.abanet.org/child/englishgrasso.pdf

For a summary of pending State legislation related to the Act visit:
http://204.131.235.67/programs/cyf/ILFY.htm

Reasons Bill Initiated

* Concerns for the poor outcomes of former foster youth who "age out" of the child welfare system.
* Concerns that States were not adequately preparing youth for the transition from foster care to independent living.

Objectives/Goals

* To improve independent living programs for current and former foster youth up to age 21.
* To expand access to medical care.
* To extend services to age 21 for former foster youth.

Services Provided/Measures Taken

* Revised the program of grants to States and expanded opportunities for independent living programs providing education, training, and employment services, and financial support for foster youth to prepare for living on their own.
* Allowed funds to be used to pay for room and board for former foster youth aged 18 to 21.
* Required:
- Development of outcome measures to assess State performance in operating independent living programs.
- National data collection on services, the individuals served, and outcomes.
* Mandated that State plans for foster care and adoption assistance include certification that prospective parents will be adequately prepared to provide for the needs of the child, and that such preparation will continue, as necessary, after placement of the child.
* Provided States with the option to extend Medicaid coverage to 18 to 21-year olds who have been emancipated from foster care.
* Emphasized permanence: Efforts to find a permanent placement may continue concurrently with independent living activities.
* Increased funding for adoption incentive payments.

Credits: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information