CSSB 27(HSS) Summary

• Creates free tuition and fee waivers for students who were in state custody and placed in out-of-home care for at least six consecutive months on or after age 16, covering tuition, fees, and room and board expenses.

• Extends state custody commitment and supervision for children in need of aid from age 19 to age 21 if continued custody or supervision is in the child's best interests and the person consents.

• Amends the definition of "child" to include persons under 21 years of age if living in out-of-home care, and persons 19 years of age if a proceeding was commenced before age 18.

• Establishes a monthly living expense stipend for individuals who left out-of-home care and are eligible for transition services, not to exceed the daily rate for licensed foster parents and continuing for up to one year before age 23.

• Replaces "foster care" terminology with "out-of-home care" throughout relevant statutes and extends transition program services to age 23 for those placed in out-of-home care at age 16 or older.