Appropriates an unspecified amount for FY 2006-2007 to the Department of Human Services, Office of Youth Services Former Foster Child Assistance Program to assist former foster children between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four in job placement, skills training, education, and housing. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that each year approximately one hundred twenty-five foster children reach the age of adulthood and leave the foster care system, losing benefits and much-needed assistance, with many facing the risk of homelessness. This at-risk gap group of young adults, post-foster care recipients who are between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four, are at the greatest risk and in need of further assistance, job placement, skills training, education, and housing.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services for use by the office of youth services to establish a program to provide assistance to former Hawaii foster children who fall into this gap group and are in need of assistance. All funds shall be administered by the executive director of the office of youth services. The director shall use these funds to provide assistance and administrative support to former foster children between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four in the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $      , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to provide assistance to former foster children between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four in the areas of job placement, skills training, education, and housing.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services, office of youth services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.