The proposed bill amends the Foster Care and Adoption Services Act by introducing a new section, Sec. 8f, which establishes specific obligations for the Department of Health and Human Services concerning children in foster care. The department is required to screen children for potential eligibility for benefits within 60 days of their entry into foster care and annually thereafter, as well as to apply for any benefits the child is not already receiving. Additionally, the department must identify a representative payee or fiduciary for the child, ensuring that any actions taken in this capacity prioritize the child's best interests, particularly in conserving benefits for future needs rather than using them to offset state care costs.

Moreover, the bill mandates that when the department serves as a representative payee, it must comply with several requirements, including utilizing benefits solely for the child's welfare, providing annual accounting of resource usage, and offering financial literacy training to the child as they approach adulthood. This training will cover essential financial topics, including saving and investing strategies, and the department must also notify the child and their attorney about benefit applications and decisions. The bill clarifies that all benefit payments are the property of the child, and any remaining funds must be released to the child upon reaching 18 or emancipation, or to a responsible person if the child is under 18 and not emancipated.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 722.951, 722.960
House Introduced Bill: 722.951, 722.960
As Passed by the House: 722.951, 722.960