STAND. COM. REP. NO.  39

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 525

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services & Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 525 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FOSTER CHILDREN'S TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to assist foster youth in their transition toward independence by requiring foster youth 14 years of age or older who are in permanent custody or foster custody to participate in an age appropriate independent living program (Program).

     The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and Hawaii Centers for Independent Living testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Human Services (DHS) supported the intent of this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Appropriating Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds instead of general funds for the Program;

     (2)  Adding faith-based organizations to the list of training and information provided under the Program;

     (3)  Requiring the foster child's written plan to be coordinated with the child's individualized education program (IEP) or transition plan; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 525, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 525, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Housing,

____________________________

MAILE SHIMABUKURO, Chair