This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance support for individuals with developmental disabilities, children and youth in foster care, and former foster youth transitioning to independent living. It mandates the Social Services Estimating Conference to develop official data on a pilot program for individuals with developmental disabilities, while also authorizing the Department of Children and Families to contract with Valeries House, Inc. for grief support services for children and youth who have lost a parent or sibling. Additionally, the bill revises the monthly room and board rates for foster parents and caregivers, ensuring annual cost-of-living adjustments and increasing rates for different age groups.

The legislation also introduces the Foster and Family Support Grant Program to strengthen community-based support for foster and adoptive families, allowing the department to award grants for recruitment and ongoing support activities. It includes amendments to healthcare reimbursement for nursing homes, raising the quality score threshold for incentive payments and requiring annual reporting on care costs. Furthermore, the bill establishes new data collection requirements for projecting costs for individuals with developmental disabilities and revises financial assistance structures for young adults transitioning from foster care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 2518 Filed: 409.145, 409.1455, 409.908, 409.990, 414.56