Summary
Increases the maximum amount of money foster youth can get for college or job training and makes it easier for them to apply for and learn about it.
What problem does this solve?
Many young people leaving foster care cannot afford college or job training, and the process to get help is often confusing. This bill increases the financial aid available to them and creates a simpler, standard application form to make getting support easier.
What does this bill do?
Increases maximum voucher amount
Raises the maximum amount for an education and training voucher from $5,000 to $12,000 per youth.
Creates a simplified application form
Requires states to create a simple, standard, and electronically available form for youth to use to apply for education vouchers.
Improves youth awareness of benefits
Requires states to make reasonable efforts to ensure eligible youth know about the potential benefits available to them.
Allows for a grace period
Permits states to establish a grace period, allowing a youth to continue receiving support for a short time if reasonable circumstances warrant it.
Requires new federal guidance
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and issue model guidance to states for implementing the new grace period rules, in consultation with foster youth.
Who does this affect?
- Foster youth
- State child welfare agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Supporting higher education for foster youth
Provides more financial resources and simplifies access to help former foster youth attend college or vocational school, which can lead to better long-term opportunities and stability.
When does this start?
The changes in this bill will go into effect one year after it becomes law.