This bill expands education and workforce training opportunities available through the John Chafee Foster Care Independence Program for youth who have experienced foster care. The legislation lowers the eligibility age from 16 to 14 years old and extends coverage to any youth who experienced foster care at age 14 or older, rather than only those who "aged out" of the system. The bill broadens eligible uses of program funds to include short-term training programs eligible for Workforce Pell grants, apprenticeship programs, general equivalency degree costs, and remedial education expenses. Youth involved in remedial education activities would be allowed to participate in the program for up to six years instead of the current five-year limit. The changes would take effect one year after the bill becomes law, giving states time to adjust their programs to accommodate the expanded eligibility and services.
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