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2017 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1500 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Hester
Co-Patron(s): Peace
Implementation Plan for Kinship Navigator Program (language only)

Item 284 #5h

Item 284 #5h

Health and Human Resources
Secretary of Health and Human Resources

Language

Page 264, after line 10, insert:

"F. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources will develop a plan for the implementation of a Kinship Navigator Program in Virginia. Such a plan will incorporate the findings from the 2011 plan developed by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services as well as the 2016 Report titled "Review of Current Policies Governing Facilitation of Placement of Children in Kinship Care to Avoid Foster Care Placements in the Commonwealth and the Recommendation for Regulations Governing Kinship Care Placements."  Potential public and/or private funding sources for the program shall be included in this plan.  A final report with recommendation shall be made to the Governor and the General Assembly prior to the 2018 General Assembly Session."



Explanation

(This amendment adds language directing the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to review two previous efforts to develop a Kinship Navigator Program and to develop a plan for implementation. In 2010, the Commission on Youth completed a study, "Barriers to Kinship Care in Virginia." The goal of this study was to assess barriers to kinship care placements in Virginia and develop recommendations to address policy, training, and funding challenges which may impede the utilization of kinship care. A recommendation was adopted requesting the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Servies to develop a plan for the creation of a Kinship Care Navigator. Legislation was passed in 2014 directing the Department of Social Services to review its policies regarding placement of children in kinship care and report its recommendations. The development of a Kinship Navigator Program was also included in this plan.)