FL H7065

Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Juvenile Justice must identify and collaboratively serve dually-involved children (those in both child welfare and juvenile justice systems) during FY 2022-2023 through FY 2023-2024, with quarterly reports to the Legislature on the number of such children and actions taken.

Monthly stipend for young adults in the Road-to-Independence postsecondary education program increased from $1,256 to $1,720, with new requirements for financial literacy and executive functioning assessments, individualized financial plans, and updated transition plans before aging out of care.

DCF must contract for a statewide Responsible Fatherhood Initiative including a website, media campaign, and public events; award grants to not-for-profit organizations addressing fathers' needs (employment, parenting, reentry); and award grants of $25,000–$250,000 per year for mentorship programs serving at-risk male students in middle and high school.

Community-based care lead agencies must employ father-engagement specialists, assess their engagement with fathers of children in care, and create action plans to address service gaps; DCF must annually review how lead agencies meet fathers' needs.

Department of Revenue must create a webpage with resources for obligors facing economic hardship in paying child support, include this information in all delinquency notices, and the Department of Economic Opportunity must award grants to organizations helping unemployed or underemployed noncustodial parents meet child support obligations. The month of June is designated as "Responsible Fatherhood Month," effective July 1, 2022.