HB4206 Summary: Extended Foster Care Services

• Extends the age limit for foster youth eligible for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) support from 21 to 23 years old across multiple state programs and statutes.

• Allows youth ages 18-23 to reinstate wardship and access child welfare services aimed at achieving self-sufficiency as independent adults, with youth consent required.

• Expands medical assistance eligibility under Medicaid to include youth ages 18-22 (previously 18-21) who were in foster care when they aged out of state responsibility.

• Makes conforming changes to the Juvenile Court Act, Illinois Identification Card Act, and Medical Assistance provisions to implement the extended age eligibility throughout child welfare programs.

• Ensures homeless shelters are not considered appropriate housing for youth receiving extended child welfare services under the program.