ages of achievingindependence, and children in different parts of the statedifferently; they also can use a variety of providers todeliver independent living services. The assets limit forthe federal foster care program was changed to allow youthsto have $10,000 in savings (rather than the current $1,000limit) and still be eligible for foster care payments (Nixon1998).Bill H.R. 3443 establishes accountability for states inimplementing the independent living programs. The Secretaryof Health and Human Services (HHS) must, in consultationwith federal, state, and local officials, advocates, youthservice providers, and researchers, develop outcome measuresto assess state performance. Outcomes include educationattainment, employment, avoidance of dependency,homelessness, non-marital childbirth, high-risk behaviors,and incarceration. HHS must also collect necessary to trackhow many children are receiving services, services receivedand provided, and implement a plan for collecting neededinformation. HHS must also report to Congress and proposestate accountability procedures and penalties fornon-compliance.States must coordinate the independent living fundswith other funding sources for similar services. States are subject to penalty if they misuse funds or fail tosubmit required data on state performance. $2.1 million wasset aside for a national evaluation and for technicalassistance to states in assisting youths transitioning fromfoster care.The total amount of funds authorized for bill H.R.3443was $140 million; however, the FY 2000 appropriation is $105million. Therefore, the total amount available for Stateallotments in FY 2000 is $102,900,000. Also, Puerto Ricowill participate in Federal program for the first time,increasing to 52 the total number of jurisdictionsparticipation in the Independent Living Programs.In line with current appropriation law, States mustspend FY 1998 and FY 1999 monies in accordance with theformer Section 477 p...
