FL H0627

Defines "transition to adulthood" services as programs providing youth in Department of Juvenile Justice custody with knowledge, skills, and aptitudes needed for self-supporting adult life, including assessments, planning, and effective transition services.

Allows youth legally in Department of Children and Family Services custody who are placed in juvenile justice programs to remain eligible for both departments' services, and prohibits delinquency adjudication alone from disqualifying foster care youth from Independent Living Program participation.

Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to assess skills of youth age 17 and older, develop written case plans with age-appropriate transition activities, and provide life skills training including banking, budgeting, employment, education, and parenting skills.

Authorizes the department to contract for residential transition to adulthood programs allowing youth ages 17-18 to live independently without daily adult supervision in unlicensed settings, if they are not a danger to the public and demonstrate adequate independent living skills.

Permits courts to retain jurisdiction over youth for up to 365 days beyond their 19th birthday if the youth participates in a transition to adulthood program, with provisions for comprehensive independence plans addressing skills, education, finances, residence, and family relationships.