DE HB163

Requires the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families to create a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive independent living services program for youth ages 14 to 21 to assist with transition to adulthood.

Allows Family Court to extend jurisdiction over youth who were in foster care at age 18 through age 21 upon motion by DSCYF, the youth, or the youth's attorney, with annual court reviews of services including financial stability, housing, medical benefits, employment, education, and community connections.

Youth attain age of majority at 18 and DSCYF custody terminates at that time, but extended court jurisdiction continues to age 21 with youth consent; jurisdiction may terminate early if youth withdraws consent, refuses cooperation, or other good cause exists.

Authorizes DSCYF to provide foster care support payments specifically for housing, direct youth stipends, and funding to public or private agencies for independent living services to eligible youth ages 18-21, with policies requiring youth accountability and financial literacy benchmarks.

Extended jurisdiction may be terminated by operation of law at age 21, and services are contingent on appropriated funding; if funding is unavailable or exhausted for a particular service, DSCYF has no obligation to provide it.