A. The Department of Human Services shall implement an extension of foster care services to support individuals transitioning into adulthood who meet the requirements provided by this section. Participation in extended services under this section shall be a voluntary election by the qualifying individual. Services shall be available to any individual in this state who meets the requirements of subsection B of this section and who:
- 1. Was in the custody of the Department at the time of the individual’s eighteenth birthday but is less than twenty-one (21) years of age; or
- 2. Achieved legal permanency by guardianship or adoption at sixteen (16) years of age or older but is less than twenty-one (21) years of age and the individual does not receive care from the parent or legal guardian.
B. Any individual described in subsection A of this section may receive extended services from the Department under this section if the individual is:
- 1. Completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;
- 2. Enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education;
- 3. Participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment;
- 4. Employed for at least eighty (80) hours per month; or
- 5. Incapable of doing any of the activities described in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this subsection due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the individual. In such a case, the individual shall be in compliance with a course of treatment as recommended by the Department.
C.
- 1. The Director of the Department of Human Services shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section.
- 2. The Department of Human Services shall seek available funding to implement the provisions of this section.
Laws 2026, SB 1806, c. 443, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 2026.