CS for SB 1902 - Independent Living Summary

• Extends court jurisdiction over dependent children until age 21 if they elect to participate in the new Foundations First Program, with required annual judicial reviews.

• Creates comprehensive education provisions requiring schools to maintain placement stability, provide transportation to original school, and eliminate barriers to attendance; designates education advocates for all children in care.

• Establishes the Foundations First Program for young adults ages 18-21 who need additional support to complete high school or pursue postsecondary education, with stipends and semi-supervised living arrangements.

• Creates the College Bound Program providing financial stipends to young adults ages 18-23 who graduated high school and were admitted to eligible postsecondary institutions, with continuation contingent on satisfactory academic progress.

• Requires community-based care agencies to report detailed data on school stability, educational outcomes, employment participation, and program utilization to the Department of Children and Family Services and Legislature annually by December 31.