RESOLUTION NO. _____________

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AB 2495 (BASS), KIN-GAP

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RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

WHEREAS, Kin-GAP (Kinship Guardian Assistance Payment Program) was created in 1998 to provide financial assistance for eligible children placed with relative caregivers; and

WHEREAS, the intent of Kin-GAP is to give relatives the option of assuming custody of a youth relative—which is typically considered a preferred placement—and, in turn, reducing demand for traditional foster care; and

WHEREAS, under current law, Kin-GAP participants do not receive the same specialized care increment payments and annual clothing allowances provided to foster youth; and

WHEREAS, while it is commonly accepted that relatives do not care for needy youth for financial reasons, the financial burden of caring for a child can prevent some willing families from providing such care; and

WHEREAS, the absence of these benefits for Kin-GAP youth can deter relatives who might otherwise participate in Kin-GAP; and

WHEREAS, the financial stress on Kin-GAP and foster families is especially acute in San Mateo County where the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,536 among the highest in the nation; and

WHEREAS, AB 2495 is intended to provide greater parity between foster care and Kin-GAP payments by providing Kin-GAP youth specialized care increment and clothing allowance payments provided to foster youth.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED AND ORDERED that the Board of Supervisors by adoption of this resolution hereby supports AB 2495 (BASS), regarding Kin-GAP.

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