This bill expands support for youth who have experienced foster care by increasing education and training benefits under the existing Chaffee Foster Care Program. The maximum education and training voucher amount would increase from $5,000 to $12,000 per youth, and eligible youth would now include those who experienced foster care at age 14 or older, rather than only those who aged out of the system. The bill broadens what vouchers can fund to include community colleges, vocational programs, registered apprenticeships, remedial education, and general equivalency degree programs, while extending program participation from five years to six years for youth involved in remedial education. Additionally, states must improve awareness of these benefits among eligible youth, create simplified application forms, and may use funds to help overcome transportation barriers to education and training. The changes take effect one year after the bill becomes law.
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