Virginia SB 818: Children in foster care; federal benefits, written notice by certified mail, notice of eligibility.

Bill Text

2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102030D

SENATE BILL NO. 818

Offered January 8, 2025

Prefiled December 31, 2024

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-905.6, relating to Department of Social Services; children in foster care; federal benefits; notice of eligibility.

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Patron—Favola

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Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-905.6 as follows:

§ 63.2-905.6. Notice of eligibility for certain federal benefits.

If a child in foster care is eligible to receive benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI), veteran's benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or black lung benefits, the Department shall provide written notice of such eligibility by certified mail, return receipt requested, to:

1. The child, if the child is 13 years of age or older;

2. The child's parent, parents or guardians, where legal custody remains with the parent, or other person responsible for the child;

3. The guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to § 16.1-266;

4. The counsel appointed for the child pursuant to § 16.1-266; and

5. The local department or child-placing agency.