The original instrument was prepared by Christine Arbo Peck. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Tammy Crain-Waldrop.
DIGEST
SB 109 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Barrow
Present law provides for the confidentiality of client case records and waiver of that confidentiality
only under certain circumstances and with certain approvals. Proposed law retains present law and
provides that the department or a department contractor, with written consent of the foster child, may
provide certain information for education, training, and to provide perspective or foster care
experience.
Present law provides for an extended stay in foster care for children housed in a residential home.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that a child can stay in foster care if he is housed at
a residential home, transitional placing program, or in foster care until his 21st birthday while
participating in an extended foster care program.
Proposed law establishes an extended foster care program for children who are at least 18 years old,
but less than 21 years old. Proposed law provides for definitions, program eligibility, a voluntary
placement agreement, a written court report, court jurisdiction, internal administrative reviews,
program participation termination, and extension of an adoption or guardianship subsidy. Proposed
law provides for rulemaking. In extended foster care proceedings, provides exclusive original
jurisdiction for review of the written report by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction to make a
determination whether it is in the youth's best interest to continue in extended foster care in a
voluntary placement.
Present law provides for extension of foster care for certain high school students. Proposed law
repeals present law and incorporates education as a determination of eligibility for the program
established by proposed law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends the heading of Ch.C. Art. 303, R.S. 46:56(F)(7)(c) and 1403.1 and the heading of Chapter
3 of Title III of the Children's Code; adds Ch.C. Art. 303(12) and R.S. 46:288.1 through 288.10;
repeals R.S. 46:286.24)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes technical changes.
2. Adds clarifying language, further allows judge to make determination on whether it is in a youth's best interest to continue in extended foster care up to age twenty-one.