MN SF3154

Establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for children and youth in foster care, including those in extended foster care up to age 21, to ensure they receive care at least equal to non-foster peers

Guarantees physical and emotional safety rights including freedom from physical discipline, abuse, seclusion, chemical/physical restraints used for discipline, group punishment, and discrimination based on protected class status

Requires basic needs protections such as adequate food, clothing, clean housing, personal belongings, access to communication devices, and financial safeguards including credit freezing upon entry to foster care and yearly credit reports

Mandates family connection rights including frequent sibling contact (weekly face-to-face visits when possible), updated relative searches every six months, and notification to relatives within five business days of placement changes

Provides transition support for youth 14 and older through independent living plans, automatic enrollment in extended foster care at age 18 unless declined, and access to vital documents, driver's education, and employment support at no cost to the youth