Maryland § 9.5-113.2

§ 9.5-113.2.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Foster youth” means an individual who:

            (i)    Is at least 16 years old and under the age of 22 years; and

            (ii)    1.    Is in out–of–home care under the responsibility of the State; or

                2.    Was in out–of–home care under the responsibility of the State on the individual’s 18th birthday.

        (3)    “Program” means the Youth Transitioning From Foster Placement to Successful Adulthood Program.

    (b)    (1)    There is a Youth Transitioning From Foster Placement to Successful Adulthood Program in the Department.

        (2)    The purpose of the Program is to remove certain application barriers for parenting foster youth and increase eligibility access to the Child Care Scholarship Program for the foster youth’s child.

    (c)    (1)    The Department shall administer the Program.

        (2)    The Program shall begin on or before January 1, 2026.

    (d)    The Department shall remove barriers in the Child Care Scholarship Program application process for foster youth in the Program by removing the following requirements:

        (1)    Proof of a foster youth’s employment or enrollment in an education or career training program;

        (2)    The name of the other parent of the foster youth’s child;

        (3)    A written authorization from a parent if the parent is not residing in the same household as the child; and

        (4)    Application information, including income, that relates to a foster youth’s foster parents rather than to the foster youth.

    (e)    The Department of Human Services shall make referrals to the Department regarding the Program.