Committee examines H.657 provisions on unaccompanied youth, transport and restraints

Committee staff and service providers briefed the House Health & Welfare committee on H.657 on April 15, an omnibus Department for Children and Families bill that includes Reach Up asset-limit changes, unaccompanied-youth certification, and new statutory standards for secure transport, restraint and seclusion.

Staff described a provision that would remove the asset limit used for initial and continuing eligibility under Reach Up (Vermont’s TANF program) to allow families to accumulate savings without losing benefits. The committee also reviewed a newly added certification process permitting certain unaccompanied youth (generally 16–17-year-olds not in a parent’s physical custody) to obtain services and benefits without parental consent when certified by school liaisons, shelter directors, continuum-of-care agencies or other authorized designees.

The certification form — required to include the qualifying circumstances, date and the certifier’s name and signature — would be posted by the department and accepted by entities listed in statute for enumerated purposes: applying for a free non-driver ID or learner’s permit, obtaining a vital records copy at no charge, consenting to medical care and mental-health services, contracting for housing or shelter, and opening a bank account that can legally accept a minor without a permanent address.

Anna Hartwell, director of communications and affairs for GMC Family Services, described the practical side of secure transports and searches, stressing they are uncommon and used only in serious situations: "It is never just one individual and [we are] along with the child," she said, urging safeguards and training for personnel involved. She and staff noted the bill would prohibit prone, chemical and routine mechanical restraints, require least-restrictive interventions first, mandate supervisory and clinical review for prolonged restraint, and require documentation, reporting, and public posting of restraint-use rates.

Staff said secure transport rules would require documentation when restraints are used, supervisory review, and annual reports to policy committees and the child, youth and family advocate; waist shackles would be prohibited for children 12 and younger and allowed for older children only when assessed as the sole means to prevent serious physical harm.

Several members expressed concern about oversight of out-of-state residential placements and about disentangling Social Security survivor and SSI benefits for youth in custody; staff acknowledged implementation challenges and flagged further technical drafting with the judiciary and fiscal offices.

The committee ran short of time and deferred detailed Q&A and votes; staff and agency representatives agreed to return for additional hearings and to provide memos, data and corrected draft language.