SB3718 Summary

• Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure youth in care completing their final year of high school complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or State financial aid application between October 1 and November 1 of that year.

• Mandates the Department assist youth in care in identifying and obtaining all documents necessary to complete FAFSA or State financial aid applications.

• Adds required documents for independent adult living to include all materials needed for FAFSA or State financial aid applications.

• Establishes procedures for caregivers to approve youth participation in extracurricular and cultural activities using a "reasonable and prudent parent standard" without prior Department approval.

• Provides liability protections for caregivers who permit youth to participate in activities approved under the reasonable and prudent parent standard.