Extended Foster Care in Vermont

General Eligibility

The Department shall provide foster care services to (A) any youth—defined as a person between 18 and 22 years of age who either (1) reached his 18th birthday while in the custody of the Commissioner; or (2) spent at least five years, while between 10 and 18 years old, in the Commissioner’s custody—who elects to continue receiving such services, and; (B) any individual under the age of 22 who leaves State custody between the ages of 16 and 18. Vt. Stat. tit. 33, § 4904.

Eligibility & Procedure

The Department shall provide foster care to any individual under age 22 who leaves state custody between the ages of 16 and 18, or any youth who voluntary requests additional support services. Vt. Stat. tit. 33, § 4904(b)(1)(B).

Court Oversight of Extended Care

“Jurisdiction over a child in need of care or supervision shall not be extended beyond the child's 18th birthday.” Vt. Stat. tit. 33, § 5103(c)(2)(C).

Eligibility for Extended Adoption Assistance

Adoption assistance may continue after 18 (1) until the child graduates high school or leaves high school without graduating; or (2) until age 21 for a child who has “lifelong mental or physical disability that limits activities of daily living,” as long as the adoptive parents/guardians provide financial support to the child. VT. DEPT. OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, FAMILY SERVS. POLICY MANUAL, Policy No. 193 at 4.

Eligibility for Extended Guardianship Assistance

Guardianship assistance may continue after 18 (1) until the child graduates high school or leaves high school without graduating; or (2) until age 21 for a child who has “lifelong mental or physical disability that limits activities of daily living,” as long as the adoptive parents/guardians provide financial support to the child. VT. DEPT. OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, FAMILY SERVS. POLICY MANUAL, Policy No. 195 at 6.