States must contribute a 20 percent state match for Independent Living Program funds. Recognizes the need for special help for youths ages 18 to 21 who have left foster care. States must use some portion of their funds for assistance and services for older youths who have left foster care but have not reached age 21. States can use up to 30 percent of their Independent Living Program funds for room and board for youths ages 18 to 21 who have left foster care. Helps older youths transitioning from foster care have access to needed health and mental health services.
Offers states greater flexibility in designing their independent living programs.
Establishes accountability for states in implementing the independent living programs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with state and local officials, child welfare advocates, members of Congress, researchers, and others must develop outcome measures to assess state performance and data elements necessary to track how many children are receiving services, what they are receiving, and state performance on outcomes. States should coordinate the independent living funds with other funding sources for similar services. States are subject to penalty if they misuse funds or fail to submit required data on state performance.