FL S7012

Extends court jurisdiction over dependent children from age 18 to age 21, with exceptions for youth choosing to leave care or not meeting eligibility requirements.

Requires development of transition plans for youth at age 17 addressing housing, education, employment, health insurance, and support services before leaving foster care.

Allows eligible youth ages 18-21 to remain in licensed foster care if completing secondary education, enrolled in postsecondary education, working at least 80 hours monthly, or unable to participate due to documented disability.

Establishes the Road-to-Independence Program providing postsecondary education financial assistance ($1,256 monthly) and aftercare services including mentoring, job training, and emergency financial assistance for youth ages 18-23.

Implements "reasonable and prudent parent" standard allowing caregivers to approve youth participation in age-appropriate extracurricular and social activities, and creates the Independent Living Services Advisory Council to oversee program implementation.