Child Care Scholarship Program - Youth Transitioning From Foster Placement to Successful Adulthood Pilot Program - Establishment

SB 687 establishes a pilot program within Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program to help foster youth aged 16-22 transition to adulthood. It directly affects youth who were in state foster care (either currently or as of their 18th birthday) by removing three key barriers to accessing child care subsidies: proof of employment/education enrollment, the other parent's name for their child, and parental authorization if the parent isn't living with them. The program, running from 2026-2028, requires the Department to administer the pilot, track monthly subsidy usage, and report annually to the legislature on progress. This policy change aims to streamline access to critical child care support for a vulnerable population.