House Bill 1392

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES TO CREATE A TRANSITION-AGED YOUTH AFTERCARE HOUSING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS, AGED EIGHTEEN THROUGH TWENTY-FOUR, WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY IN FOSTER CARE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Department of Child Protection Services shall create a transition-aged youth aftercare housing program within the department for young adults who were previously in the custody of the department on or after the age of sixteen (16) years. The transition-age youth aftercare program shall cover emergency housing needs and supportive services to assist youth in maintaining ongoing stable housing.

(2) The department shall promulgate program rules and procedures for the program and dedicate funds annually. Youth ages eighteen (18) - twenty-four (24) years of age may be served if they meet the criteria for homeless or at-risk for homelessness under the Housing and Urban Development agency's definition. All services must be administered without discrimination as it relates to race, gender, sexual orientation or disability status.

(3) The department may utilize state funds to draw down funds from federal funding sources including, but not limited to, Title IV-E funding from the Administration for Children and Families, John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, or Housing and Urban Development for such program.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.