Extended Foster Care in Connecticut

General Eligibility

Youth may remain in care until age 21, with the youth’s consent, if youth is (A) enrolled in a full-time approved secondary education program or an approved program leading to an equivalent credential; (B) enrolled full time in an institution which provides postsecondary or vocational education; or (C) participating full time in a program or activity approved by the commissioner designed to promote or remove barriers to employment. Commissioner has discretion to waive requirements (A)-(C) based on compelling circumstances. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-129(j)(5).

Case Management Requirements

Any youth who elects to remain in care is entitled to a written case plan, treatment, and review in in accordance with Section 17a-15, which applies to all dependent children. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-11(j).

Eligibility & Procedure

The Department allows re-entry for educational or vocational or employment services which can lead to gainful employment. Youth may re-enter care if youth (1) was committed as abused, neglected or uncared, or dually committed, at the time of his or her 18th birthday; (2) left care after age 18, but before age 21, and did not participate in two post-secondary education or employment training programs; (3) has had his or her case closed for at least 90 days in LINK, or has had services discontinued for at least 90 days; (4) has proof of an educational plan or employment, including transcripts, certificates, report cards, proof of enrollment or acceptance or start date letters; (5) is not married; and (6) is not on active duty with any of the armed forces of the United States.

If a youth has not attained a secondary school diploma and is pursuing a GED, approval from the Commissioner or Regional Administrator or designee shall be required for re-entry. A youth who has been approved to attend a GED program shall be required to accept additional support services that may include tutoring, in order for the youth to complete the GED in six months. Dep’t of Children & Fam. Servs., Policy Manual, Policy No. 42-8 (2015); see also Dept’ of Children & Fam. Servs, Adolescent Servs. Best Practices Guide 55-58 (2015).

Court Oversight of Extended Care

Department shall file a motion within 120 days after youth’s 18th birthday to determine whether continuation in care is in youth’s best interest and, if so, whether an appropriate permanency plan is place. The court, in its discretion, may hold a hearing on said motion. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-129(j)(5).

Procedure for Continuing Court Oversight

The Department continues to submit permanency plans to the court at 12-month intervals. The Department shall continue to hold Administrative Case Reviews every 6 months while the youth is receiving services. Dept’ of Children & Fam. Servs., Policy Manual, Policy No. 42-1 (2015).

Eligibility for Extended Adoption Assistance

Assistance may continue between ages 18 and 21 for adoptions finalized on or after October 1, 2013, if the child was 16 or older at the time of finalization and is engaging in one of activities (A) – (C) under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-129(j)(5).

Commissioner may waive requirements A-C at his discretion based on compelling circumstances. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-117(b).

Eligibility for Extended Guardianship Assistance

Subsidy may continue between ages 18 and 21 for guardianship awarded on or after October 1, 2013, if the child was 16 or older at the time of finalization and is engaging in one of activities (A) – (C) under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-129(j)(5).

Commissioner may waive requirements A-C at his discretion based on compelling circumstances. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-126(f)(2).