1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; extending foster care benefits to age 21;proposing 
1.3 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260C.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [260C.456] FOSTER CARE BENEFITS TO AGE 21.
1.6 	(a) At least six months prior to a child's 18th birthday, the social services agency 
1.7 	shall notify the child, the child's parents or legal guardian, and the foster parents of the 
1.8 	availability of benefits up to age 21 through the foster care program. 
1.9 	(b) Upon the request of a person at any time between the ages of 18 and 21, who had 
1.10 	been receiving foster care benefits in the six consecutive months prior to his or her 18th 
1.11 	birthday, or who was discharged while on runaway status after age 15, the social services 
1.12 	agency shall develop, in conjunction with the person and other appropriate parties, a 
1.13 	specific plan related to that person's vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs 
1.14 	and shall ensure that any foster care, housing, or counseling benefits or services are 
1.15 	provided as appropriate based on the person's needs in the individualized plan.