AK HB126

Allows courts to extend state custody of children beyond age 19 up to age 21 with the child's consent if continued custody is in the child's best interests

Permits courts to grant resumptions of state custody up to age 21 for individuals released from prior state custody if they consent and meet specified conditions including need for out-of-home care and agreement to reasonable terms set by the department

Expands the definition of "child" under Alaska law to include persons under 21 years of age when committed to department custody under the new extension and resumption provisions

Applies one-year extension framework to both direct state custody commitments and supervised release placements, requiring court hearings and findings that extensions serve the child's best interests

Takes effect January 1, 2011