Requires local social services districts to provide luggage to children in foster care

Children in foster care get luggage

New York local social services districts must provide luggage to children in foster care who lack suitable luggage. This covers entering care, changing placements, leaving care, moving to college, and any other situation where luggage is needed. Luggage must be a durable, reusable suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, or similar container in new or like-new condition. Disposable bags, trash bags, and cardboard boxes do not qualify. Districts may replace luggage reported lost, stolen, or damaged, but replacements are not guaranteed. The state child services office, local districts, authorized foster care agencies, and foster parents cannot keep or take back provided luggage. Eligible district costs qualify for state reimbursement through the Foster Care Block Grant; no reimbursement amount is stated. The law removes earlier partnership and reporting requirements. It takes effect with the related 2025 foster-care luggage law referenced as S. 3781 and A. 5434.