SB 5908- Extended Foster Care (EFC): By expanding EFC eligibility requirements and available resources, Washington could better support its youth and young adults as they enter adulthood. This bill would amend elements of the program, provide financial subsidies, streamline stipends, address delays, and prevent involuntary exits for enhanced program effectiveness. 

SB 5591- Financial Capabilities: Young people in Washington state who are in foster care need access to financial literacy skills and a bank account at a young age. This would help them be successful when they leave care, and without these resources, they can become trapped in a cycle of poverty. This bill would direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish bank accounts for youth in foster care ages 14+ with a $25 monthly allowance deposit, paired with financial education beginning at 12 years of age. 

HB 1953 | SB 5800- Department of Licensing: This bill would expand the eligibility on the required adult signature for a driver’s license application to include a “Responsible Adult,” which would increase eligibility to apply for a driver’s license. 

HB 1929- The Bridge Residential: The Bridge Residential is a proposal to align with The Bridge Coalition. It’s designed to ensure young people facing unaccompanied homelessness and exiting inpatient behavioral health treatment have safe housing and services to avoid being discharged into homelessness or emergency-based services. This bill would create two 6-10 bed, community-based housing programs that young people can stay in for 1-90 days as they identify long-term housing. Behavioral health services, consultation, and technical assistance will be provided. The budget request is $3 million annually.