Transitional Housing Placement program.
The bill mandates the State Department of Social Services to develop criteria for calculating the THP-NMD housing supplement, which will address varying living arrangements based on custodial status. Payments to housing providers are set based on a percentage of the average foster care expenditures within the counties they operate, effectively standardizing financial assistance across regions. Additionally, the bill requires counties to be notified of the supplement amounts through an all-county letter by November 1 each year, ensuring consistent communication and financing.
Assembly Bill No. 2880, introduced by Assembly Member Ting, amends Section 11403.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, focusing on the Transitional Housing Placement program. This program aims to provide transitional housing for nonminor dependents who have aged out of the foster care system. The bill stipulates that, commencing January 1, 2021, funding for transitional housing for eligible youth will be supplemented with a THP-NMD housing supplement, contingent upon annual appropriations. This approach intends to enhance financial support available to youth exiting the foster system as they transition to independent living.
While supporters argue that AB 2880 is a necessary step to improve housing stability for nonminor dependents, critics might raise concerns regarding the reliance on state budget appropriations to ensure funding is available. The absence of mandated reimbursement for local agencies could also lead to unpredictability in financial management at the local level. Furthermore, as the bill does not require the state to cover potential increases in local costs unless budgeted, there exists a risk that community resources may become strained.