The bill seeks to improve extended foster care services for youth aged 18 to 21 in Washington State, addressing the critical need for support to prevent homelessness and enhance outcomes for young individuals transitioning from the foster care system. It introduces a new section that aims to reduce barriers to accessing these services, ensuring that all dependent youth are informed about the program upon turning 18 and can participate if they choose. Key amendments include the insertion of definitions that specify the age range for eligibility, now explicitly defined as those aged 18 to 21, and the introduction of a "supervised independent living subsidy" to assist youth in independent living arrangements. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the court and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in maintaining dependency proceedings for eligible youth.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to child welfare services, updating the definition of "nonminor dependent" to "youth" and specifying that eligible youth must have been dependent at the time they reached 18 years of age. It emphasizes the importance of informing dependent youth aged 15 and older about the extended foster care program and outlines the department's responsibilities in providing support and services. The bill also allows for unlimited reenrollment in extended foster care for youth who have previously lost eligibility and establishes provisions for adoption support benefits and guardianship subsidies for youth aged 18 to 21 who achieved permanency through adoption or guardianship. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the support and resources available to youth transitioning out of the foster care system.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336
Substitute Bill: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336
Second Substitute: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336
Session Law: 13.34.267, 74.13.031, 74.13.336