AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

This bill requires the Department of Children, Youth and Families to identify and apply for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Social Security for foster children within 60 days of placement. It mandates that the department notify court-appointed advocates and parents about benefit applications, decisions, and changes, while also establishing clear rules for how the department manages funds if it acts as the child's representative payee. The legislation prohibits using these benefits to reimburse the state for foster care costs and requires the department to help children ages 14 and older develop financial literacy skills to prepare for independent living. Additionally, the bill ensures that any excess funds are saved in protected accounts to maintain eligibility for means-tested benefits and returned to the child when they transition out of foster care.