Brazilian Deputies Approve Provisional Housing Law for Youth Leaving Institutional Care

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies' Commission on Social Security, Social Assistance, Childhood, Adolescence and Family has approved a significant legislative measure aimed at supporting young people aged 18 to 21 years transitioning out of institutional care. The approved bill mandates that municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents must provide provisional housing, known as "repúblicas," to these youths who lack stable family ties or social support, facilitating their autonomy and social integration.

These homes are structured into male and female units and will be overseen by technical staff responsible for managing communal living, ensuring proper coexistence, and handling expense management. Each resident is guaranteed a minimum of one basic food basket per month. The bill also promotes professional training, job market insertion, and community activities to support these young people's development and social bonds.

Importantly, the law extends the maximum duration of stay in these transitional homes from six months to up to 36 months, contingent upon residents' educational enrollment and performance. Financial aid for the youth will be adjusted by the Executive Branch based on budget availability and demographic factors, moving away from the previously fixed assistance amounts of R$ 200 to R$ 400. The bill further amends the Military Service Law, granting youth exiting care priority in military selection processes and access to the Soldier-Citizen Program.

Deputy Laura Carneiro (PSD-RJ), the bill's rapporteur, highlighted these adaptations aimed at giving flexibility and addressing the diverse needs of the young beneficiaries. The proposal will next be examined by the Finance and Taxation Committee and the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee before being presented to the Chamber’s Plenary for final approval.

This legislative initiative marks a crucial development in Brazil's social policy to better support young people leaving institutional care, empowering them with shelter, social services, and opportunities for education and employment, thus fostering their successful integration into society.