HB0396ham001 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Judiciary I - Civil Law Committee

Filed: 3/14/2007

09500HB0396ham001 LRB095 05269 RCE 33134 a

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 396

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 396 by replacing line 25 on page 19 through line 7 on page 20 with the following:

"Subject to appropriation, the Department shall provide a stipend in the amount of up to $1,500 to youths who, on or after January 1, 2008, cease to be wards of the Department pursuant to Section 2-31 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and who meet the qualifications set out in this paragraph. The stipend shall be paid by voucher to promote successful transition outcomes by supporting training, housing, and living expenses. All or part of the stipend may also be used to pay the fee for drivers education to prepare the youth to take an examination given by the Secretary of State for a drivers license or permit. In order to be eligible for this benefit, a youth must have: (A) at the time wardship terminated, reached the age of 18 years or older; and (B) either (i) at the time wardship terminated, obtained a certificate of graduation from a high school or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (ii) within one year after wardship terminated, obtained a certificate of graduation from a high school or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or (iii) within one year after wardship terminated, been determined by DCFS to lack the ability to obtain a certificate of graduation from a high school, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, due to an impairment or disability. The Department shall establish by rule (i) procedures for verifying eligibility for the receipt of funds under this paragraph and for determining the amount of the stipend to be awarded and (ii) a process for disseminating the payments.".