This bill requires states to address legal barriers that current and former foster youth face when transitioning to adulthood. States would be mandated to consider legal issues affecting housing, education, employment, and family connections as part of their case planning processes for foster youth, including problems with court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and custody matters. The legislation also allows states to use existing federal funding from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to provide legal counseling and services to help these young people resolve such issues. The changes would take effect one year after the bill becomes law and apply to state plans approved on or after that date. States needing to pass legislation to comply with the new requirements would have additional time until the start of their next regular legislative session.
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