1. (a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, an individual enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education or a residential vocational training program may return to an out-of-home placement provider with whom the individual was previously placed if:

   1. (1) the individual is unable to remain on the institution's or training program's campus due to a scheduled break, a temporary closure of the institution or training program, or a temporary leave of absence;
   2. (2) the individual's living arrangement is mutually agreed to by the individual, the out-of-home placement provider, and the provider agency; and
   3. (3) the Department has reviewed and approved the individual's request to return to the out-of-home placement provider.

2. (b)

   1. (1) To return to an out-of-home placement provider with whom an individual was previously placed during a scheduled break of an institution of higher education or a residential vocational training program, the individual shall make a request to a local department to return to the out-of-home placement provider at least 30 days before the scheduled break.
   2. (2) A local department shall make a recommendation to the Department regarding a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection not later than 21 days before the scheduled break.
   3. (3) If a local department recommends approving an individual's request to return to an out-of-home placement provider during a scheduled break, the Department shall make a determination regarding the local department's recommendation not later than 14 days before the scheduled break.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 470, § 1, eff. July 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 471, § 1, eff. July 1, 2025.