This bill mandates the establishment of a luggage donation program by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to assist children in resource family care. The program allows individuals to donate luggage, which can include suitcases, duffle bags, and backpacks, to help children transport their personal belongings during significant transitions, such as entering resource family care, moving between homes, attending college, or aging out of the system. The DCF is required to collaborate with community-based, faith-based, and non-profit organizations to manage the acceptance, storage, and distribution of the donated luggage, ensuring that all items are clean, in good condition, and free of the donor's personal belongings.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that the DCF must submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the program's effectiveness. This report will include data on the number of children served, the policies and procedures used by the contracted organizations, and any recommendations for improving the program. The DCF is also tasked with creating necessary rules and regulations to implement the program effectively. The bill is set to take effect three months after its enactment.