HB 417 Summary

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

• Creates comprehensive education provisions requiring school stability during placement changes, transportation assistance, education advocacy, and caregiver involvement in academic planning and extracurricular activities.

• Establishes the Foundations First Program for young adults ages 18-21 who need continued support to finish high school, pursue postsecondary education, or gain employment; includes stipend assistance and semi-supervised living arrangements.

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

• Requires community-based care agencies to report detailed data on educational outcomes, school transitions, employment, and program participation; mandates case plan and judicial review format updates to reflect these new provisions.