Plain English Breakdown
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SF4360 • 2026
Extended foster care services grant program establishment
Extended foster care services grant program establishment
Passed Legislature
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Bill History
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2026-03-11
House
Introduction and first reading
Official Summary Text
Extended foster care services grant program establishment
Current Bill Text
Read the full stored bill text
A bill for an act relating to foster care; establishing an extended foster care services grant program; requiring reports; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260C. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: Section 1. new text begin [260C.453] EXTENDED FOSTER CARE SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM. new text end new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Establishment. new text end new text begin The commissioner of children, youth, and families must establish an extended foster care services grant program to provide financial support and case management services to eligible youth at least 21 years of age and under 27 years of age. new text end new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Grantee eligibility. new text end new text begin In order to be eligible for a grant under this section to provide services to eligible youth, a grantee must be a community-based provider and: new text end new text begin (1) demonstrate expertise serving transition-age youth; new text end new text begin (2) maintain nondiscrimination policies that are consistent with state and federal law; new text end new text begin (3) ensure geographic access to any services provided under subdivision 4, including in areas outside of the seven-county metropolitan area; new text end new text begin (4) meet performance metrics determined by the commissioner for education, employment, housing stability, and youth satisfaction; and new text end new text begin (5) meet training standards determined by the commissioner. new text end new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Youth eligibility. new text end new text begin (a) Youth are eligible to receive services under this section if the youth: new text end new text begin (1) was in Minnesota foster care at 14 years of age or older; new text end new text begin (2) is currently at least 21 years of age and under 27 years of age; new text end new text begin (3) is not currently receiving Title IV-E foster placement; and new text end new text begin (4) is currently: new text end new text begin (i) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; new text end new text begin (ii) enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education; new text end new text begin (iii) participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment; new text end new text begin (iv) employed for at least 80 hours per month; new text end new text begin (v) receiving treatment for mental health or substance use disorder; or new text end new text begin (vi) facing documented barriers, including a medical condition, disability, pregnancy, parenting, or domestic violence. new text end new text begin (b) In order to maintain eligibility, the youth must maintain monthly contact with the youth's case manager. new text end new text begin (c) Youth may be eligible for services under this section whether the youth is living with others or living independently. new text end new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Services. new text end new text begin Grantees must provide to eligible youth: new text end new text begin (1) monthly stipends that cover basic living expenses of the youth, including education costs. Stipends must be adjusted for geographic cost of living and inflation. When the youth reaches 25 years of age, the stipend must gradually decrease according to the schedule developed by the commissioner; new text end new text begin (2) case management services, including conducting monthly financial wellness check-ins; new text end new text begin (3) access to training on budgeting and employment readiness to develop financial literacy; new text end new text begin (4) assistance in establishing a savings account; new text end new text begin (5) housing navigation services, including assistance in finding stable housing; and new text end new text begin (6) transition planning, including a comprehensive plan with step-down preparation beginning when the youth reaches 24 years of age and helping the youth coordinate adult services. new text end new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Report. new text end new text begin (a) The commissioner must track and report outcomes disaggregated by protected classes and geography to track disparities in the grant program. new text end new text begin (b) Beginning February 1, 2029, and each February 1 thereafter, a grantee must report to the commissioner the number of youth the grantee served, the amount of money the grantee spends on stipends, any outcomes disaggregated by protected classes and geography, and any other information the grantee determines as relevant. new text end new text begin (c) Beginning July 1, 2029, and each July 1 thereafter, the commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over children, youth, and families on the grant program, including program outcomes, costs, and equity determinations. new text end new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2028. new text end Sec. 2. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES; EXTENDED FOSTER CARE SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM. new text end new text begin (a) By January 1, 2027, the commissioner of children, youth, and families must establish application procedures, stipend rates, performance metrics for grantees, and a stipend decrease schedule for the extended foster care services grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.453. new text end new text begin (b) The commissioner of children, youth, and families must consult with youth leadership councils, stakeholders, and foster youth when developing the requirements under paragraph (a) and when implementing the extended foster care services grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.453. new text end new text begin (c) By March 1, 2028, the commissioner must coordinate with the successful transition to adulthood for youth program to avoid duplication of services and must contract with eligible grantees for the extended foster care services grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.453. new text end Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; EXTENDED FOSTER CARE SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM. new text end new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families to begin implementation of the extended foster care services grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.453, and to establish the application procedures, rates, and metrics for the grant program. new text end