SB 5909-S.E - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/13/2007)

Requires that, in connection with its duties pursuant to RCW 70.190.110, the council shall review programs that provide services to adolescent foster children, and to youth who have reached the age of eighteen and are no longer required to live in the care of foster parents.

Provides that, after the family policy council has completed its review of programs that provide services to adolescent foster children and to youth who have reached the age of eighteen and are no longer required to live in the care of foster parents, pursuant to this act, the department shall create a pilot program to establish a foster youth community coordinator in three regional office locations within the state. The purpose of the pilot program is to provide assistance to foster youth who are reaching eighteen years of age to facilitate their ability to live independently upon leaving state care.

Requires the department to evaluate the program to determine whether the objectives of the program have been met and shall inform the legislature not later than January 1, 2009, of the results of the pilot program.

Provides that the department has the authority to allow up to fifty youth reaching age eighteen to continue in foster care or group care for up to six months following the youth's eighteenth birthday for the purpose of receiving independent living skills while residing in a foster care placement.

Provides that, within funds specifically appropriated therefor, the department shall work with foster children exiting from care at the age of eighteen to develop an independent living plan that may include assistance with first month's rent, security deposit, and incidental items necessary to live independently. The combined value of assistance shall not exceed two thousand dollars per youth. The rent, security deposit, and incidental items shall be provided through vouchers. No cash or check shall be directly provided to the youth.

Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to create: (1) An entitlement to services;

(2) Judicial authority to extend the jurisdiction of juvenile court in a proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW or to order the provision of services to a youth who has attained eighteen years of age; or

(3) A private right of action or claim on the part of any individual, entity, or agency against the department of social and health services or any contractor of the department.