1. (1) Appropriate transitional planning shall occur for all youth by using the individualized service planning process to develop and implement a systematic, comprehensive plan to prepare youth for the transition into adulthood. The individualized service plan (ISP) serves as the youth’s transitional plan and shall identify the specific steps and services designed to facilitate this transition.

   1. (a) Level of Functioning Assessment. All youth’s current level of functioning as it relates to life skills development shall be assessed as soon as the need is indicated, but no later than the fourteenth (14th) birthday.

      1. 1. The assessment may be a formal or informal one, and shall determine current level of functioning; how that current level of functioning can be improved; what the associated needs are; and, the skills that can be developed or enhanced to facilitate maximum functioning as an adult, and to become a stable, gainfully employed adult whenever possible.
   2. (b) Goals and steps to address needs identified during the assessment process shall be included in all Individualized Service Plans no later than the youth’s fourteenth (14th) birthday.

Author: Jerome Webb

Statutory Authority: Consolidate Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA, P. L. 99-272); Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Chafee Act, P. L. 106-169); R.C. v Hornsby, No 88-H-1170-N, Consent Decree (M.D. Ala. Approved December 18, 1991).

History: New Rule: Filed April 4, 2002; effective May 9, 2002. Amended: Filed July 8, 2002; effective August 12, 2002.