Foster Care Independence Act of 1999
P.L. 106-169
Overview
H.R. 3443
Enacted December 12, 1999
Purpose: To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide States with more funding and greater flexibility in carrying out programs designed to help children make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency
Major Provisions of the Act
- Revised the program of grants to States and expanded opportunities for independent living programs providing education, training, 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 age 18 to 21
- Required:
- The Secretary to develop outcome measures to assess State performance in operating independent living programs
- National data collection on services, 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 by requiring that efforts to find a permanent placement continue concurrently with independent living activities
- Increased funding for adoption incentive payments