House Bill No. 2361 amends the Successful Adulthood Act to enhance the support provided to children transitioning out of foster care and those released from the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. The bill specifies that children aged fourteen and older in foster care must receive a written Notice of Rights detailing their entitlements, including education, health, and safety. Upon reaching eighteen, children who have been in foster care for at least six months will receive essential documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, medical records, and educational transcripts. Notably, the bill replaces the requirement for health insurance information with information on how to obtain health insurance.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for individuals released from the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs at eighteen, mandating that they receive similar documentation to facilitate their reintegration into the community. This includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, health insurance information, and educational records. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that young adults leaving state custody have the necessary resources to support their transition to independence.