MN SF3970

Expands eligibility for foster care benefits after age 18 to include children whose permanent legal and physical custody was transferred to a relative after age 10, allowing them to continue receiving foster care services until age 21

Extends Medical Assistance coverage until age 26 for individuals who received foster care benefits past age 18, in addition to those who were in foster care at ages 18, 19, or 20

Requires social services agencies to develop independent living plans for children age 14 and older who had permanent custody transferred to a relative after age 10, upon the child's request

Removes transfer of permanent custody to a relative as a disqualifying factor for continued foster care benefits after age 18, allowing these youth to access extended support services

Expands transitional support services (education, employment, housing, counseling) to youth who left foster care due to custody transfer to a relative after age 10, lowering the previous threshold from age 16