SB 434 Summary: Independent Living

• Court retains jurisdiction over dependent children until age 21 if they elect to receive Foundations First Program services, with annual judicial reviews required.

• Creates Foundations First Program for young adults ages 18-21 who need to complete high school or pursue postsecondary education, vocational training, or employment, with eligibility requirements and stipend support.

• Creates College Bound Program providing financial stipends to young adults ages 18-22 who graduated high school and enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions, contingent on satisfactory academic progress.

• Establishes comprehensive education provisions requiring school stability, transportation reimbursement, education advocates, extracurricular activity support, and documented academic and career planning for children in licensed care.

• Requires development of transition plans for children leaving care at age 18, with coordination between child welfare services, education, and health care systems, and mandates reporting of accountability data on education outcomes and program participation.