1302-S2 AMH ROBE MERE 371

2SHB 1302 - H AMD 163

By Representative Roberts

ADOPTED 03/08/2013

    On page 11, line 35, beginning with "(2)" strike all material through "youth." on page 12, line 24 and insert the following:

    "(2)(a) The six-month postponement under this subsection is intended to allow a reasonable window of opportunity for an eligible youth who reaches the age of eighteen to request extended foster care services from the department or supervising agency.  The court shall dismiss the dependency if the youth:

    (i) Has not requested extended foster care services from the department by the end of the six-month period; or

    (ii) Is no longer eligible for extended foster care services under RCW 74.13.031(10) at any point during the six-month period.

    (b) Until the youth requests to participate in the extended foster care program, the department is relieved of any supervisory responsibility for the youth."

    On page 12, at the beginning of line 25, insert "(("

    On page 12, at the end of line 34, insert "))"

    On page 12, line 35, beginning with "(4)" strike all material through "years.))" on line 38 and insert the following:

    "(((4)))(3) A youth receiving extended foster care services is a party to the dependency proceeding.  The youth's parent or guardian shall be dismissed from the dependency proceeding when the youth reaches the age of eighteen years."

    On page 21, line 11, after "(b)" insert the following:

    "The nonminor dependent must have an open dependency proceeding at the time that he or she reaches age eighteen years, and the nonminor dependent must request extended foster care services before reaching age eighteen years and six months.

(c)"

    On page 25, line 22, after "(b)" insert the following:

    "The nonminor dependent must have an open dependency proceeding at the time that he or she reaches age eighteen years, and the nonminor dependent must request extended foster care services before reaching age eighteen years and six months.

(c)"

EFFECT: (1) Restores existing statutory language to clarify that the court will postpone, for 6 months, closing a dependency proceeding of a youth who turns 18 years old while in foster care to allow an eligible youth to request extended foster care services.

(2) Restores existing statutory language that provides that the Department of Social and Health Services is relieved of any supervisory responsibility for a foster youth who has turned 18 until he or she requests extended foster care services.

(3) Clarifies that only nonminor dependents who have an open dependency matter when they turn 18 years old and who have requested extended foster care services before turning 18 years and 6 months old, as well participating in one of the required activities, are eligible to receive extended foster care services.

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