Extended Foster Care in New Hampshire

General Eligibility

The department may, pursuant to a voluntary service plan that is developed and provided for the child by the department, offer voluntary services to any child who prior to his or her eighteenth birthday was found to be neglected or abused, who was in legal custody of the department as of his or her eighteenth birthday, and who is less than 21 years of age. NH Rev. Stat. § 169-C:34(V-a).

Voluntary Care Agreement Requirement

Services are offered pursuant to a voluntary service plan that is developed and provided for the child by the department. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 169-C:34(V-a).

Eligibility & Procedure

The Department may offer voluntary services to eligible youth, defined above, who are less than 21 years of age. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 169-C:34 (V-a).

Court Oversight of Extended Care

“The court may, with the consent of the child, retain jurisdiction over any child, who, prior to his or her eighteenth birthday, was found to be neglected or abused and who is attending school until such child completes high school or until his or her twenty-first birthday, whichever occurs first.” The court shall make orders for support and maintenance of the child as justice may require. N.H. Rev. Stat.§169-C:4(II).

Eligibility for Extended Adoption Assistance

Adoption assistance subsidy terminates at age 18. N.H. Code Admin. R. Dep’t of Health and Human Servs. 6438.13.

Eligibility for Extended Guardianship Assistance

New Hampshire does not offer guardianship assistance for youth of any age.