SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 209(HES) "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." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Mr. Hooley informed the Committee that this legislation would allow the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS) to access available federal funds to provide a variety of services to youth ages 16 to 21 "who are aging out" of the State's Foster Care Program. JOANNE GIBBENS, Program Administrator, Division of Family and Youth Services, Department of Health and Social Services, informed the Committee that the federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 includes a foster care program to assist in developing independent living services for children "who are in State custody who would probably not be finding a permanent home in terms of adoption or guardianship," and who would likely be emancipated from care. She stated that statutory authority would allow the State of Alaska to expend a portion of $500,000 federal funds to provide additional support for individuals over the age of 18 who had previously been in the foster care system. Senator Austerman asked the testifier whether matching funds are required to receive these federal funds. Ms. Gibbens responded that the 20 percent match requirement is currently funded by the "grantees who are providing some of the in- kind services" to the program. Co-Chair Kelly clarified there is therefore no need to "find new money" to meet the match requirement. Ms. Gibbens concurred. Senator Austerman asked how much of the current $500,000 federal funding would be allocated to this program. Ms. Gibbens replied that the amount would be determined by how many eligible individuals would request this transitional assistance. Senator Austerman stated that language in the Department of Health and Social Services fiscal note specifies that the State shall receive "no less than $500,000" from the federal government; therefore, he asked how much federal funding is currently allocated to the Foster Care program. Ms. Gibbens clarified that the State is receiving $500,000 in federal funds. Senator Austerman clarified that the Foster Care program is not currently able to use these federal money to provide services to individuals who have transitioned out of the program. Ms. Gibbens confirmed that is correct. Senator Austerman offered a motion to report "HB 209 out of Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note." ANTHONY LOMBARDO, representative of Covenant House, testified via teleconference from Anchorage, in support of this bill, as it is "excellent for Alaska's youth." There being no objections, SCS HB 209 (HES) was REPORTED from Committee with zero fiscal note #2, dated February 8, 2002 from the Department of Health and Social Services. AT EASE 10:35 AM / 11:02 AM