Minneslate Logo

HF3002 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Eligibility requirements for foster care benefits after age 18 modified to include children for whom permanent legal and physical custody is transferred to a relative after age ten.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update the eligibility requirements for foster care benefits in Minnesota, specifically focusing on benefits available after age 18. It seeks to expand foster care benefits to include children whose permanent legal and physical custody has been transferred to a relative after age 10.

Main Provisions

  • Eligibility for Extended Foster Care: The bill allows individuals under the age of 26 who were in foster care or had custody transferred to a relative after age 10 to continue receiving foster care benefits. This includes medical assistance as part of their foster care benefits.
  • Out-of-Home Placement Plan: It mandates creating a detailed out-of-home placement plan for foster children, highlighting educational stability, health care planning, and preparation for independent living.
  • Reentry into Foster Care: Individuals who have left foster care can re-enter and access foster care services until they are 21, if they meet specific criteria, including not being adopted or not having a permanent legal and physical custody arrangement.
  • Independent Living Plan for Older Youth: For children aged 14 and above, an independent living plan must be developed to assist with vocational, educational, and social development.
  • Support for Transitioning Youth: The bill outlines support services for youths transitioning from foster care, including education, employment, and daily living skills, which can continue until age 23.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Permanent Custody Transfers: Recognizes children whose permanent custody is transferred to a relative after age 10 as eligible for foster care benefits post-18.
  • Extension of Foster Care Services: Extends the potential age for receiving foster care services up to 21 years, with some preparation services continuing until the age of 23.
  • Educational and Health Stability: Enhancements to the requirements on health and educational stability for children in foster care through detailed planning and documentation.
  • Broadened Definition of "Child in Foster Care": Includes children who have had permanent custody transferred to relatives after age 10.

Relevant Terms

  • Foster care benefits
  • Extended foster care
  • Out-of-home placement plan
  • Independent living plan
  • Medical assistance
  • Permanent legal and physical custody
  • Reenter foster care
  • Educational stability
  • Health care planning
  • Transitioning youth

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toChildren and Families Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification that medical assistance is available for those under 26 who were in foster care in any state under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies foster care eligibility for medical assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 17.",
      "modified": [
        "Eligibility language now includes those receiving assistance under the plan or a waiver while in foster care."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.055",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional guidelines for educational stability and independent living plans."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation modifies the out-of-home placement plan process under section 260C.212, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded involvement to include child's input and advisor in the planning team."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.212",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification and addition of notification requirement specifics for eligibility of foster care up to age 21."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill changes notification requirements for youth approaching 18 in foster care under section 260C.451, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.451",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional support services defined, including educational and daily living skills support."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifications made to support systems for transitioning youth under section 260C.452, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded definition of youth to include those until age 23 for certain supports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.452",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

Sponsors