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Senate hears plan to fund LifeSet case-management for youth 18–22 in extended foster care
Summary
Sen. Rochelle Winn presented an amendment to SB 281 to fund the LifeSet model for youth aged 18–22 leaving foster care; Clark and Washoe counties and program administrators supported funding; Washoe reported serving 60 young adults since November 2023; questions focused on rural access and funding sources
Sen. Rochelle Winn presented Senate Bill 281, as revised by a conceptual amendment, to authorize the Division of Child and Family Services to provide funding and support for the LifeSet case-management model to serve youth and young adults ages 18 to 22 who are in extended foster care.
LifeSet is an evidence-informed, individualized case-management model developed by Youth Villages that pairs trained specialists with young people exiting foster care (caseload averages 8–10 young adults per specialist, with weekly face-to-face contacts and 24/7 crisis availability). Sponsor testimony said randomized trials of the LifeSet model show reductions in homelessness and improved economic and mental-health outcomes; Clark County previously received a Youth Villages grant to launch LifeSet and Washoe began a program in 2023.
Why it matters: Extended foster-care services support youth who are not ready to be independent at age 18. Clark and Washoe County representatives and program staff testified in favor of state funding to continue and expand LifeSet. Washoe County reported that, since launching the program in November 2023, it has served 60 young adults; Clark County staff and supervisors gave multiple examples of LifeSet helping formerly at-risk youth achieve stability.
Questions and implementation details: Committee members asked whether LifeSet could be expanded to rural counties; program representatives said the model has been run in Clark and Washoe but could be explored for rural youth. Testimony indicated LifeSet was previously grant-funded (Youth Villages grants) and counties have supplemented with local child-welfare funding as grant amounts declined; the sponsor said the current budget request does not fully cover every eligible young adult and counties will continue pursuing additional grant dollars.
Supporters included county child-welfare officials, LifeSet program staff, SEIU members who work with foster youth, the Nevada Disability Action Coalition, and multiple advocacy organizations. No formal opposition testimony was recorded during the committee hearing.
Ending note: The committee discussed funding questions that will be considered in budget hearings. Sponsor and county representatives emphasized the program’s track record and urged funding to avoid service gaps for youth eligible for extended foster care.
