Program for dependent care for families with children with special needs

(1) There is created the program for dependent care for families with children with special needs. This program is intended to provide assistance to families with children who meet the following requirements: (a) The child or children are between the ages of 13 and 17 years, inclusive. (b) The child or children are considered to be children with special needs. (c) The family meets the income guidelines established under s. 1002.87, notwithstanding any financial eligibility criteria to the contrary in s. 414.075, s. 414.085, or s. 414.095. (2) Implementation of this program shall be subject to appropriation of funds for this purpose. (3) If federal funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant provided under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, as amended, are used for this program, the family must be informed about the federal requirements on receipt of such assistance and must sign a written statement acknowledging, and agreeing to comply with, all federal requirements. (4) In addition to school readiness program services provided under part VI of chapter 1002, dependent care may be provided for children age 13 years and older who are in need of care due to disability and where such care is needed for the parent to accept or continue employment or otherwise participate in work activities. The amount of subsidy shall be consistent with the rates for special needs child care established by the department. Dependent care needed for employment may be provided as transitional services for up to 2 years after eligibility for temporary cash assistance ends. (5) Notwithstanding any provision of s. 414.105 to the contrary, the time limitation on receipt of assistance under this section shall be the limit established pursuant to s. 408(a)(7) of the Social Security Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. s. 608(a)(7).