Amends and adds to existing law to provide for placement of juveniles in the custody of the Department of Health and Welfare in qualified residential treatment programs when appropriate and to provide for an extension of foster care.

This bill would update laws pertaining to qualified group homes for children in foster care. Specifically, it would: (1) set a shortened timeline for the department and courts to communicate and act on the child’s behalf; (2) prioritize the best interest of the child when determining such placement; (3) require the department more closely monitor the child when in a group home; and (4) require ongoing evaluation of potential alternative placements such as family reunification, placement with a relative or foster family, or adoption. Additionally, it would allow for extended care for youth aging out of the foster care system not to exceed age 21, under limited circumstances.