Housing: former nonminor dependents: homeless youth.

Existing law makes transitional housing available to any foster child who is at least 16 years of age and not more than 18 years of age who is eligible for AFDC-FC benefits, any nonminor dependent who is eligible for AFDC-FC benefits, and any former foster youth who is at least 18 years of age and not more than 24 years of age who has exited from the foster care system and has elected to participate in the Transitional Housing Program-Plus, as defined, if he or she has not received services pursuant to these provisions for more than a total of 24 months. This bill would additionally make transitional housing available to any former nonminor dependent with special needs and any homeless youth. By expanding the duties of counties relating to the provision of transitional housing, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.