Amends TCA Section 37-2-604.

Present law provides that the extension of foster care services may be provided on a voluntary basis to a young adult who is at least 18 but less than 21, who was in the custody of the department of children's services at the time of the young adult's 18th birthday, and who is:<br /> <br /> (1) Completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;<br /> <br /> (2) Enrolled in an institution that provides post-secondary or career or technical education;<br /> <br /> (3) Participating in a program or activity designed to promote employment or remove barriers to employment;<br /> <br /> (4) Employed for at least 80 hours per month; or<br /> <br /> (5) Incapable of doing any of the activities in (1)-(4) above due to a medical condition, including a developmental or intellectual condition, which inability is supported by regularly updated information in the young adult's permanency plan. In such a case, the young adult must be in compliance with a course of treatment as recommended by the department.<br /> <br /> Present law clarifies that such extension of foster care services may be provided to a young adult who meets the requirements described above but refused those services at the time of the young adult's 18th birthday if the young adult seeks those services prior to the young adult's 21st birthday.<br /> <br /> This bill raises the maximum age for a young adult to be able to receive such extension of foster care services from 21 to 23.<br />