1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; extending foster care benefits to age 21; appropriating 
1.3 	money;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260C.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [260C.456] FOSTER CARE BENEFITS TO AGE 21.
1.6 	(a) At least six months prior to a child's 18th birthday, the local agency shall advise 
1.7 	the child, the child's parents or legal guardian, and the foster parents of the availability 
1.8 	of benefits up to age 21 through the foster care program. 
1.9 	(b) Upon the request of a person at any time between the ages of 18 and 21, who had 
1.10 	been receiving foster care benefits in the six consecutive months prior to his or her 18th 
1.11 	birthday, or who was discharged while on runaway status after age 15, the local agency 
1.12 	shall develop, in conjunction with the person and other appropriate parties, a specific plan 
1.13 	related to that person's vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs and shall 
1.14 	ensure that any foster care, housing, or counseling benefits are tied to that plan.

1.15 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 1.16 	$....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2009 from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.17 	of human services for the purposes of reimbursing counties for services provided under 
1.18 	section 1.