HF1276

This bill proposes modifications to the Northstar Care for Children program in Minnesota, which provides financial support for children in kinship assistance or adoption assistance. The key changes include:

1. Benefit Adjustments for Young Children:

   • Under current law, children who enter Northstar kinship assistance or adoption assistance before age six receive only 50% of the benefit amount they would otherwise be entitled to. This bill eliminates that lower rate for children placed with relatives or within specific placement preferences, ensuring they receive the full benefit.

2. State Funding Responsibilities:

   • The bill mandates that the state cover the costs associated with eliminating the reduced rate for young children placed with relatives. It adjusts the state's cost-sharing formula for maintenance payments accordingly.

3. Revisions to Financial Responsibilities of the State and Local Agencies:

   • The legislation ensures that the financial distribution between the state and local agencies accounts for the removal of reduced rates for eligible preschool-aged children. It also standardizes the percentage share of costs borne by the state and local agencies after fiscal year 2019.

Overall, this bill aims to increase financial support for young children in kinship or adoptive care under Northstar Care for Children, particularly those placed with relatives, by eliminating alternate lower rates and ensuring stable cost-sharing between the state and local agencies.