Researcher: ND Page 1 3/15/23
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 6576
AN ACT STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR GRANDPARENTS AND
OTHER NONPARENT RELATIVES RAISING CHILDREN.
SUMMARY
To the extent allowed by federal law, this bill increases the temporary
family assistance (TFA) payment to families with a head of household
who is (1) a nonparent caretaker relative (e.g., grandparent) and (2) the
legal guardian of a child. It does this by making the TFA payment equal
to the prevailing monthly foster care rate for families based on the
child’s age and medical condition.
Generally, nonparent caretaker relatives may qualify for financial
assistance through the departments of children and families (DCF) or
social services (DSS). Those who become guardians of foster children
through DCF (i.e., Subsidized Guardianship Program) receive a larger
payment than those who are guardians of children not involved in the
child welfare system and receive a TFA payment for the child from DSS.
DCF payments equal the prevailing monthly foster care rate, which
varies based on the child’s age and medical condition. TFA payments
vary by family size.
Additionally, the bill expands the scope of (1) State Department of
Education (SDE) family resource centers and (2) DCF parent education
and support centers to include resources, programs, and services for
nonparent caretaker relatives and legal guardians (see
BACKGROUND) . It also requires these centers to make referrals for
parents, nonparent caretaker relatives, and legal guardians to
community programs on childhood development and positive
parenting practices.
Lastly, the bill makes technical changes. 2023HB-06576-R000072-BA.DOCX
Researcher: ND Page 2 3/15/23
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2023, except that the provision
increasing TFA child-only payments takes effect July 1, 2023.
BACKGROUND
SDE Family Resource Centers
By law, SDE and DSS must coordinate family resource centers
together. These centers are generally located in public elementary
schools and provide comprehensive child care services, remedial
educational and literacy services, families-in-training programs, and
supportive services to parents who receive TFA and other parents who
need services.
DCF Parent Education and Support Centers
DCF operates, within available appropriations, community-based,
multiservice parent education and support centers. The goal of each
center is to improve parenting and family functioning to give children
and youths more opportunities for positive development. Centers
provide (1) parent education and training services; (2) parent support
services; (3) information on, and coordination of, other community
services; (4) consultation services; and (5) coordination of child care and
transportation services to facilitate participation in the center’s
programs.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Aging Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 15 Nay 0 (02/28/2023)