Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2474 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services, Office of Youth Services Former Foster Child Assistance Program to aid former Hawaii foster children between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four through administrative support and assistance with job placement, skills training, education, and housing.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Department of Human Services, Office of Youth Services; the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hale Kipa; the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that each year approximately one hundred twenty-five foster children in Hawaii reach the age of adulthood and leave the foster care system. Without transitional support, a number of these young adults are at risk for homelessness. This measure will provide at-risk former Hawaii foster children with transitional assistance in the areas of job placement, skills training, education, and housing.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2474 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.