Bill > H5260

This bill extends the Voluntary Extension of Care (VEC) program, which allows certain young people to remain in the foster care system or under court supervision until age 21, to include two additional groups: children in the juvenile justice system and children who were reunified with their families before turning 18 but where that reunification was ultimately unsuccessful. Specifically, the bill amends existing law to add "wayward" and "delinquent" to the categories of children who can receive extended care, and creates a new provision allowing former foster children who experienced an unsuccessful reunification to voluntarily continue receiving care and court supervision. The VEC program requires participants to be engaged in specific activities such as education, job training, or employment, and provides support services including housing, health insurance, and employment assistance. The extension is voluntary, meaning young adults can choose to enter or exit the program, and the court and Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) retain the ability to review and potentially terminate support. The bill aims to provide additional support and stability for vulnerable young people transitioning out of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Justice

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