Counties would protect foster children's benefits and help them apply

County child welfare agencies would protect children's benefits in individual accounts and use or save payments they receive on children's behalf in the children's interests. The rules cover federal and state benefits. Allowed uses include unmet needs not otherwise provided by the county, ordered by a court, or covered by health insurance, and saving for future needs. A county receiving benefits for a foster child could not use them to repay the state for care or other expenses. Agencies would work with the child and the child's lawyer or court-appointed advocate when deciding how to use or save benefits. Accounts would avoid program limits on savings, consistent with the child's best interests. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. When a child leaves foster care or turns 18, payments would return to the Social Security Administration or transfer to the child or a new person receiving payments for them, as that agency directs.

County child welfare agencies would check benefit eligibility, apply when children may qualify, appeal denials, and help benefits continue after foster care. Screening covers every foster child and federal or state benefits. Support to keep benefits also covers adults still under county care. Applications and selection of someone to receive benefits for a child would involve the child's lawyer or court-appointed advocate. The county would apply to receive benefits itself only if no other suitable candidate is available. If entering foster care ends eligibility, the county would help the child and caregiver apply when the child leaves care. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. Screening would occur within 60 days of placement and annually thereafter. Applications would follow within 60 days of finding possible eligibility. Transition planning would begin at age 16 years and 6 months.

County agencies would share benefit notices and spending records, publish annual reports, and join the Department of Human Services in studying possible repayments. Caregivers would receive benefit notices. Children would receive notices and spending accounts through their lawyer or court-appointed advocate. Public reports could not reveal identifying information about current or former foster children. Quarterly accounts would list spending by county agencies, private agencies, and others receiving benefits for children. The repayment study would cover former foster children whose benefits were not used in their best interests. It would not guarantee repayment. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. Spending accounts would be quarterly, and public reports on benefit applications, spending, and savings would be annual.

County agencies would teach children about managing money, and the Department of Human Services would issue guidance for carrying out the benefit rules. Training would cover foster children and caregivers accessing their savings. Guidance would serve county child welfare agencies and involve current and former foster children. Children's ongoing training would fit their development and needs and explain saved money and how to keep benefits. Caregivers gaining access to saved money would be offered training on restrictions on its use. Guidance would cover obtaining benefits, keeping them through transitions, and getting legal help. State and county agencies could hire others to carry out the requirements. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. Training would start at age 14 or within six months of placement for children over 14. Officials would meet with affected groups within 30 days of the effective date and issue guidance within nine months.