Implementation of Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Amendments Published
On Monday January 24, HUD will publish in the Federal Register a notice that implements and provides guidance on the provisions included in the amendments of the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act. The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) amendments made changes to the assistance provided to eligible youth through the Family Unification Program (FUP) for FUP-eligible youth, including those who received vouchers through the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative. FSHO provides an extension of the assistance provided to eligible youth for up to 24 months beyond the 36-month time limit of assistance if the youth is participating in a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program or if engaged in education, workforce development, or employment activities for at least 9 months of the 12-month period preceding the extension. FSHO also provides an extension of assistance for up to 24 months beyond the 36-month time limit of assistance for eligible youth who meet one of three statutory exceptions – being responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of 6 or an incapacitated person, regularly participating in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program, or being incapable of complying with the requirement to participate in an FSS program or engaging in education, workforce development, or employment activities.
PHAs must inform eligible youth, including those issued vouchers prior to the publication of this notice, of the availability of this extension and the requirements that they must meet to receive an extension once the notice is in effect (90 days after publication). HUD is providing PHAs with flexibility in applying these requirements and encourages PHAs to provide these extensions to the broadest population possible consistent with the statutory requirements. PHAs will be required to update their Administrative Plans to include written policies regarding how they will implement the extension.
Comments on the implementation and guidance are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.