RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 649 (SB 129) 2018 Regular Session Gatti
New law provides that, in the event funds are made available, a person in foster care and the
person’s foster parents shall continue to receive all benefits and services of the foster care
program after the person’s 18th birthday, if the person is a full-time high school student or
in the process of receiving an equivalent credential until the person’s high school graduation
or 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
Prior law provided that a child residing in a residential home may stay at that home until his
21st birthday to complete any educational course he has begun while a resident of the
facility. New law adds authorization that a child housed in a residential home or in foster
care may stay at such home or in foster care until his 21st birthday to complete any
educational course that he began while a resident of the facility.
New law provides that acceptance of these benefits shall not deprive the person in foster care
of any rights or obligations conferred by attaining the age of majority.
New law specifies that the benefits and services provided shall not impose any obligation
of reimbursement on the recipients.
New law specifies that the Dept. of Children and Family Services shall notify all foster
children and their foster parents or other custodians in writing of the availability of these
benefits and services upon the child’s 17th birthday, and every 90 days thereafter until the
child’s 18th birthday, unless the foster child and foster parents or other custodians have
already consented in writing to participate.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 1, 2018).
(Amends R.S. 46:1403.1; adds R.S. 46:286.24)