HI HB721

Establishes the Hawaii Foster Youth Mentorship Program within the Department of Human Services to provide stable adult mentoring relationships for foster youth ages 7-18.

Requires the department to recruit community mentors and establish program guidelines to facilitate consistent, meaningful, and long-term interactions between mentors and foster youth.

Directs the department to partner with the Department of Education, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, schools, and public/nonprofit/private agencies; authorizes contracting with nonprofit or private organizations to provide program services.

Appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2011-2012 to establish and administer the mentorship program.

Program is designed to improve foster youth self-esteem, communication skills, sense of community, school attendance, and long-term success outcomes.