FL S1356

Defines "transition to adulthood" as services for youth in Department of Juvenile Justice custody or supervision to acquire knowledge, skills, and aptitudes for self-supporting adult life, including assessments, individualized plans, and proven effective services.

Allows youth ages 17-19 in juvenile justice custody to participate in transition to adulthood programs, including residential services not requiring state licensure, if they are not a danger to the public and demonstrate sufficient ability for independent living.

Youth in juvenile justice placement who originated from Department of Children and Family Services foster care remain eligible for Independent Living Program services; delinquency adjudication alone cannot disqualify foster care youth from these services.

Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to assess eligible youth and develop written case plans incorporating age-appropriate activities such as life skills training, employment training, educational support, and counseling, with parental consent when applicable.

Permits courts to retain jurisdiction for an additional 365 days beyond a youth's 19th birthday if the youth voluntarily participates in a transition to adulthood program, with participation being voluntary and not creating involuntary residential commitment.