Senate Bill 990 establishes new provisions regarding the management of state or federal benefits for children in out-of-home care. Under this bill, if the Department of Children and Families or a county department is appointed as the representative payee for a child receiving such benefits, they are required to conserve the child's benefits in protected accounts that do not affect eligibility for federal and state programs. Additionally, the department must provide periodic accounting of the benefits to the child, their attorney or guardian ad litem, and their parent or guardian, and work with the child and relevant federal agencies to return any remaining funds once the child exits out-of-home care.

The bill also allows the department to contract with public or private agencies to meet these requirements and explicitly prohibits the use of benefits received on behalf of the child to cover the costs of their care in out-of-home settings. This legislation aims to ensure that the financial interests of children in out-of-home care are protected and managed in a manner that prioritizes their best interests.