Requires commissioners of local social services districts to screen, apply for, and use and conserve retirement, survivors and disability insurance, supplemental security income, veterans' or any other federal social security benefits on behalf of children placed in foster care; provides for responsibilities of local commissioners of social services appointed to serve as the representative payee for a child; provides for technical assistance and financial literacy for foster children; makes related provisions.
Impact
The introduction of Bill S07778 signifies a proactive approach in safeguarding the financial rights and benefits of children in foster care. By making it a requirement for local commissioners to not only apply for benefits but also to notify involved parties about any applications or alterations in benefits, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and collaboration among practitioners associated with the children's care. This could lead to a more stable financial situation for those in foster care, promoting better overall well-being and development.
Summary
Bill S07778 aims to enhance the welfare of children placed in foster care by mandating local social services commissioners to actively screen for and apply for various federal benefits on behalf of these children. It specifically outlines responsibilities regarding the identification and use of benefits, such as retirement, survivors, and disability insurance, as well as Supplemental Security Income, ensuring that children in foster care can access the financial support they may be eligible for. The bill requires that a determination of potential eligibility must be made within sixty days of a child's entry into foster care and mandates annual rescreening thereafter.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding this bill may arise from the responsibilities placed upon social services commissioners and their capacity to fulfill these requirements effectively. Critics may question the practicality of the mandates given the existing workload of social service officials, as well as fears that the bill might inadvertently lead to an overextension of government involvement in the personal financial lives of foster children. Furthermore, ensuring that sufficient training and resources are made available for commissioners to support the young beneficiaries appropriately could pose additional challenges.
Implementation
The bill highlights a structured framework to support foster children in financial matters. By implementing provisions for financial literacy and skill-building assistance for older foster youth, the legislation aims to better equip them for independent living upon exiting the system. Additionally, through specialized accounts for asset management, the bill seeks to clarify the processes for managing benefits, thereby aiming to uphold the integrity of resource conservation and responsible utilization.
Same As
Requires commissioners of local social services districts to screen, apply for, and use and conserve retirement, survivors and disability insurance, supplemental security income, veterans' or any other federal social security benefits on behalf of children placed in foster care; provides for responsibilities of local commissioners of social services appointed to serve as the representative payee for a child; provides for technical assistance and financial literacy for foster children; makes related provisions.
Relates to establishing a program for financial transitional living services for foster children; establishes independent development savings accounts for foster children over the age of 16; requires foster children to attend financial literacy and independent living classes.
Relates to establishing a program for financial transitional living services for foster children; establishes independent development savings accounts for foster children over the age of 16; requires foster children to attend financial literacy and independent living classes.
Commissions a study regarding the quality of health care services received by foster children in New York state; provides for a report to be submitted by the commissioner of the office of children and family services detailing the findings of such study.
Requires funding for special education services and programs for preschool children with disabilities to cover joint classroom instruction for such children with disabilities and other children for the same number of hours each day.
Requires funding for special education services and programs for preschool children with disabilities to cover joint classroom instruction for such children with disabilities and other children for the same number of hours each day.
Provides that low-income subsidy data transmitted from the social security administration to local departments of social services in accordance with section 1144(c)(3) of the federal social security act shall be treated as an application for the medicare savings program, without requiring submission of another application.
Provides that low-income subsidy data transmitted from the social security administration to local departments of social services in accordance with section 1144(c)(3) of the federal social security act shall be treated as an application for the medicare savings program, without requiring submission of another application.
Requires each social services district to maintain a waiting list of eligible families who have applied for child care assistance; requires the local districts to report such list to the office of children and family services who shall then compile such reports and issue one report to the legislature annually; requires the social services districts to collect data regarding the income of families who have applied, were denied and received child care assistance and issue a report to the office of children and family services who shall then compile such reports and issue one report to the legislature annually.