Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/21/2002 01:52 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 209
"An Act directing the Department of Health and Social
Services to establish a foster care transition program;
relating to that program; and providing for an
effective date."
(Tape Failure occurred at the beginning of the meeting).
REPRESENTATIVE DYSON, spoke on behalf of the House Health,
Education and Social Services Standing Committee, sponsor of
HB 209 in support of the legislation. He observed that the
questioned is whether or not help should be provided to
children that are "aging out" of the state foster care
system. Currently, foster care children turning 18 years of
age receive what is left of their accumulated permanent fund
dividends and are sent on their way. The federal government
has passed the Foster Care Independence Act in recognition
that kids who have spent their lives in state custody may be
ill equipped to take up independent living when they turn
18. The legislation would use federal funds to implement
services for children ages 18 - 21, [who are no longer in
foster care]. The University of Alaska has agreed to take
some of the children on scholarships and labor unions have
agreed to apprenticeship programs to assist in providing job
skills. He pointed out that these children were not
successfully adopted and many of them have had less than
ideal living situations. Many of these children have issues
regarding behavior problems. He emphasized that the program
could make a significant difference in the lives of many of
these kids.
Representative Harris questioned if federal funds would be
on going or if the state would be asked to take over the
cost of the program.
JOANN GIBBENS, PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, DIVISION OF DIVISION
OF FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL SERVICES, explained that it is a 5-year federal
program. At the end of five years the program would be
subject to renewal.
Representative John Davies spoke to the fiscal note. He
observed that the Division expects to receive a minimum of
$500 thousand federal dollars and questioned if the
Division's current statutory authority would be sufficient
without the need for additional authority through the
Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.
Ms. Gibbens observed that the Division of Family and Youth
Services has the authority to expend funds. She explained
that the funds would be available to all children in their
custody that are aging out or expected to age out without a
permanent home.
Representative Hudson questioned how many youths would be
served and what services would be provided. Representative
Dyson explained that there are approximately 200 receiving
services: approximately 40 - 60 would age out each year. The
most immediate need is for housing. He noted that services
would also be directed toward making a living, through help
from the university and trade schools. Life skills, such as
keeping a checkbook, would also be taught. Programs would be
individualized.
In response to a question by Representative Whitaker, Ms.
Gibbens noted that the first federal appropriation was $500
thousand dollars, which began in 2000. Representative
Whitaker observed that the state has been able to receive
the funds since 2000 and questioned the need for
legislation. Ms. Gibbens explained that current Alaska
statutes do not allow services for children over the age of
18, who are no longer in custody. Federal law requires that
a portion of these funds be used for older children, when
they leave state care. The funds are currently being used
for older children that are moving out of custody. The
legislation would give authority to use the funds on
children that have moved out of custody. The legislation
applies to those over 18.
Representative John Davies referred to page 2, line 12. He
noted that the program development is subject to
appropriation. He questioned if there would be a new line in
the operating budget to appropriate the federal funds. Ms.
Gibbens clarified that the funds have already been received.
What is missing is the statutory authority to spend the
funds on those over 18 years of age. The funds have not all
been expended. The intent is to add to the priorities by
providing services for those over 18 years of age.
Representative Harris summarized that the Division is
looking for statutory authority to comply with the federal
requirements.
ROSELYNN CASCY, ADULT LEARNING CENTER, ANCHORAGE, testified
via teleconference. She noted that they provide services to
children that have been in foster care and expressed support
for the legislation.
In response to a question by Vice-Chair Bunde,
Representative Dyson stated that the federal enabling
legislation is for 5 years and is subject to renewal. He
expressed the hope that improved services by the Division of
Family and Youth Services would aid children in their
ability to take care of themselves after their release from
state custody. The program will cease if state funds are not
appropriated after federal funding has ended. He stressed
that the benefit would be derived from the program over the
next 5 years.
In response to a question by Vice-Chair Bunde,
Representative Dyson observed that much of the work has
dealt with finding safe housing and helping them to find a
job path.
Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 209 (HSS) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 209 (HSS) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a previously published zero
fiscal note: #1 (LAW).
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