Forty-sixth Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Support For Young Adults Aging Out Of State Care

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and that declaration has been extended to at least July 4, 2020;

WHEREAS, the State has made a commitment to and an investment in young adults who are exiting the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) foster care by offering them voluntary extended aftercare services until their 21st birthday;

WHEREAS, these young adults have been supported through the DCYF Voluntary Extension of Care (VEC) Program or the YESS Aftercare Services (collectively, "Programs"), which is contracted through Foster Forward;

WHEREAS, the services provided to these young adults include living expense assistance and case management services that assist them in accessing employment, housing, physical and behavioral healthcare, health insurance, educational opportunities, and other critical support services;

WHEREAS, there were nine (9) VEC and twenty-four (24) YESS Aftercare participants who turned 21 between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, who have been significantly impacted by the current state of emergency, and who chose to participate in the programs ("eligible participants"); and

WHEREAS, on April 15, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-26 providing support to young adults aging out of State care and that Order has been extended until June 30, 2020.

NOW THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. The provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws 14-1-6(d) and 40-11-12.5 are hereby suspended to the extent that they limit participation in the Programs to age 21. All eligible participants shall be permitted to voluntarily receive the services and supports, including rental assistance payments, as provided by their enrolled Programs for a period up until August 28, 2020.
2. DCYF shall provide the funding necessary to support this Order through a request for additional general revenue funds and/or the use of any federal or other funding sources that are available now, or might become available in the future, for this purpose.

This Order supersedes Executive Order 20-26. It shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until July 30, 2020 unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor