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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 4, 2016 10:58 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Leslie Acosta |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution on APPLA Medical Exception |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution urging the United States Congress to implement a medical exception for Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) for children ages 13 through 18 who suffer from serious medical conditions. Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement, more commonly known as APPLA, is a permanency option for foster children when other options such as reunification, kinship placement, adoption, or legal guardianship have been ruled out. Under APPLA, the child welfare agency maintains care and custody of the youth and arranges a living situation in which the youth is expected to remain until adulthood. While not the best option for children in the foster system, APPLA provides foster children with independent living services and, when needed, mentoring opportunities. Unfortunately, the Federal Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014, placed several restrictions on APPLA including limiting eligibility to children 16 years of age and older. In addition, the Act added extra case plan and case review requirements for older youth who have a permanency goal of APPLA. While the elimination of this permanency option for some children may have been prudent, children who suffer from serious medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, and other physical and mental disabilities have been presented with a major obstacle to permanency. When APPLA is a permanency option, children with serious medical conditions that require ongoing medical care gain the benefits of both medical assistance provided by government programs and the support system of a foster family. Sadly, children who suffer from serious medical conditions are less likely to achieve other permanency goals such as adoption due to overwhelming medical costs and limited resources. Without APPLA as an option until 16 years of age, many children with serious medical conditions may be subject to placement in pediatric nursing facilities, which can be damaging to their development and health. I ask you to please join me in urging to Congress to implement a medical exemption so that these children can have the support system they need and the families they deserve. |
Introduced as HR865
Memo Updated: April 4, 2016 10:59 AM