CA AB748

Requires juvenile courts to hold a dispositional proceeding for youth who turn 18 years old if they were found to be dependents before reaching 18 and were continuously detained, provided the youth gives informed consent.

Court must determine by clear and convincing evidence whether at least one condition from Section 361(c) existed immediately before the youth turned 18, such as substantial danger to their safety or well-being if returned home.

Appointed counsel in dependency proceedings shall not be relieved solely because the youth has attained 18 years of age.

If the youth does not consent or the court finds criteria are not met, temporary orders are vacated and dependency jurisdiction is not retained; if criteria are met but youth declines foster care, a hearing for termination of jurisdiction must be held within 30 days.

Implementation is contingent on federal approval of a state plan amendment under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, with the Judicial Council required to adopt rules and forms by July 1, 2020.