FL S1036

Extends court jurisdiction over dependent children from age 18 to 21 years old, allowing young adults to remain in licensed foster care if they meet eligibility criteria including completing secondary education, enrolling in postsecondary education, participating in employment programs, or having documented disabilities.

Requires development of transition plans for children at age 17 that address housing, health insurance, education, employment services, and mentoring relationships, with court approval before the child leaves foster care.

Establishes the Road-to-Independence Program providing monthly financial assistance up to $1,256 for eligible young adults attending postsecondary institutions, plus aftercare services including mentoring, mental health counseling, job training, and temporary financial assistance for necessities.

Implements "reasonable and prudent parent" standard allowing caregivers to approve age-appropriate extracurricular and social activities with liability protection, and requires quality parenting support including training, information sharing, and supplemental payments to foster parents caring for adolescents.

Creates Independent Living Services Advisory Council to oversee program implementation and establishes campus coaching positions at Florida colleges and universities to support current and former foster youth transitioning to independent living.