Bill > SB1266

This bill expands Tennessee's voluntary extended foster care services to support young adults between 20 and 23 years old who were previously in the custody of the Department of Children's Services (DCS). Specifically, the bill allows young adults who were in DCS custody at age 18 or who were adopted or placed in subsidized permanent guardianship at age 16 or 17 to continue receiving foster care services. To qualify for these extended services, the young adult must be engaged in one of several productive activities, such as completing secondary education, enrolled in postsecondary or career/technical education, participating in employment-promoting programs, working at least 80 hours per month, or unable to do these activities due to a documented medical condition. The bill also modifies related provisions, including allowing young adults who did not achieve permanency through adoption to attend court hearings until age 21, and ensuring that individuals in the DCS foster care or juvenile justice programs can obtain driver's licenses and identification cards without fees. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the aim of providing continued support and opportunities for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1266&ga=114