AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how much money will be given or what documents are needed for verification.

Making Foster Children Eligible for Childcare Help

The bill makes children who enter foster care automatically eligible for the state's childcare assistance program called 'Purchase of Care'.

What This Bill Does

• Makes children in foster care automatically qualify for Purchase of Care, which is a state-funded child care subsidy.
• Requires the Department of Health and Social Services to create rules about how to check if a child in foster care qualifies for this help.

Who It Names or Affects

• Children who are placed in foster care
• Foster parents or caregivers providing care for these children
• The state agencies responsible for child welfare and social services

Terms To Know

Purchase of Care

A program that gives money to families who need help paying for childcare.

Foster care

Care provided by a family approved by the state when children cannot live with their birth parents.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how much money will be given to families through Purchase of Care.
• It is unclear what specific documents are needed for verification of eligibility.
• This bill has passed both chambers but the governor's action and final implementation details are still pending.

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.
This Act provides that a child is automatically eligible for Purchase of Care upon placement in foster care.

Current Bill Text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Griffith & Rep. Heffernan & Rep. K. Williams & Sen. Cruce & Sen. Lockman

Reps. Berry, Gorman, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Morrison, Ross Levin, Snyder-Hall, Burns, Chukwuocha; Sens. Buckson, Hoffner

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 419

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Subchapter VII, Chapter 3, Title 31 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 393A. Automatic eligibility for child care assistance; children in foster care.

(a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Department” means Department of Health and Social Services.

(2) “DSCYF” means the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.

(3) “Foster care” means care provided by an individual or couple for a child who is in DSCYF custody under Chapter 25 of Title 13. All foster care providers must be approved by DSCYF or a licensed agency.

(4) “Purchase of Care” means the State’s childcare subsidy program that provides financial support to eligible Delaware families who need assistance paying for child care.

(b) A child is automatically eligible for Purchase of Care upon the placement of the child in foster care.

(c) The Department shall promulgate regulations on processes for verification of eligibility for children meeting the circumstances outlined in subsection (b) of this section in coordination with DSCYF, including required documents.

SYNOPSIS

This Act provides that a child is automatically eligible for Purchase of Care upon placement in foster care.