1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Step-down aftercare” means:

      1. (i) a network of programs that provide education and rehabilitation; and
      2. (ii) services and treatment to ease the transition of children from the custody of the Department to their homes and communities.

   3. (3) “Step-down aftercare plan” means an individualized plan for each child in step-down aftercare that proposes specific assistance, guidance, treatment, services, and supervision that:

      1. (i) prepares the child for reentry into the specific community to which the child will return;
      2. (ii) ensures the delivery of prescribed services to the child in the community; and
      3. (iii) monitors conduct in the community to ensure public safety.

2. (b)

   1. (1) A child discharged from a committed residential placement shall receive step-down aftercare for the period that the Department determines.

   2. (2) A child in step-down aftercare shall receive:

      1. (i) a step-down aftercare plan;
      2. (ii) supervision by step-down aftercare staff in accordance with the step-down aftercare plan;
      3. (iii) educational services; and
      4. (iv) any other services necessary to implement the step-down aftercare plan.

3. (c) The step-down aftercare staff shall:

   1. (1) prepare a step-down aftercare plan for each child assigned to the step-down aftercare program and file the plan with the Department;
   2. (2) keep regular records concerning the progress of each child;
   3. (3) file with the Department a monthly progress report on each child; and

   4. (4) file with the Department an annual report on the outcome of step-down aftercare plans for the children in the step-down aftercare program, that includes to the extent possible:

      1. (i) information on the number of children who:

         1. 1. are rearrested;
         2. 2. are rearrested and charged with serious or violent offenses;
         3. 3. are rearrested and waived to the adult system;
         4. 4. are re-referred to the Department;
         5. 5. are readjudicated and recommitted;
         6. 6. graduate from high school or successfully complete a high school equivalency examination; and
         7. 7. are employed; and
      2. (ii) other relevant information.

Added by Acts 2007, c. 3, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2007.