SCS HB 1946 -- YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND ADOPTION SUBSIDIES

This bill changes the laws regarding youth development programs
and adoption subsidies.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Neighborhood youth development programs will be exempt from state
child care licensing requirements if the program:

(1)  Is affiliated and in good standing with a national
congressionally chartered organization's standards under Title
36, Public Law 105-225;

(2)  Provides recreational, educational, and character-building
activities geared for children six to 17 years of age;

(3)  Adopts standards for staff that include ratios, training,
health and safety, and assessments;

(4)  Does not collect any additional compensation for its
services, except annual membership dues not exceeding $50 per
year or program service fees for special activities;

(5)  Informs parents that the program is not regulated by
licensing requirements;

(6)  Provides a process for dispute resolution for parental
complaints; and

(7)  Conducts national criminal background checks for all program
employees and volunteers who work with children as well as
screening under the Family Care Safety Registry.

ADOPTION SUBSIDIES

Subsidies granted to adoptive parents to cover any physical
and/or mental condition of the adopted child will no longer be
subject to income restrictions on household incomes that are
higher than 200% of the federal poverty level.  The one-year
restriction on the granting of a subsidy is also repealed.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm