Md. Code Regs. 07.02.10.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 26, December 27, 2024

Section 07.02.10.08 - Service Agreement and Transition Plan

A. Youth who participate in youth transitional services shall have a service agreement as described in COMAR 07.02.11. The service agreement shall establish:

(1) Youth transitional services goals;

(2) Tasks required to meet the service goals;

(3) Individuals responsible for completion of tasks; and

(4) Time frames for completion of tasks.

B. For the semi-independent living arrangement, the service agreement shall also include the following:

(1) A plan for financing a semi-independent living arrangement, which specifies:

(a) The local department's contribution as delineated in Regulation .15 of this chapter;

(b) The youth's contribution as set forth in Regulation .15 of this chapter;

(2) The date by which it is anticipated the youth's income may increase to enable the youth to become financially self-sufficient;

(3) A statement that the youth's subsidy shall be decreased when the youth's income increases;

(4) A statement that the local department shall stop subsidy payments if the youth fails to comply with the service agreement; and

(5) A statement explaining the youth's responsibility to inform the local department within 72 hours of any:

(a) Changes in the youth's situation, including termination, transfer, or resignation of employment;

(b) Termination, resignation, or failure to participate in education or training programs;

(c) Housing relocation; or

(d) Arrest.

C. As appropriate, youth 18 to 21 years old receiving independent living aftercare services shall have a service agreement which supports the following areas, as appropriate:

(1) A plan for making the transition to self-sufficiency, including:

(a) Goals;

(b) Tasks to be completed; and

(c) Individuals responsible for completion of tasks;

(2) Education, including post-secondary education;

(3) Employment and vocational training;

(4) Personal and emotional support; and

(5) The youth's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and recognize and accept personal responsibility in preparing for and making the transition to adulthood.

D. Youth Transition Plan.

(1) The caseworker shall prepare a youth for the development of a transition plan 120 days prior to the youth's 14th birthday.

(2) Once a youth in out-of-home placement reaches the age of 14, the caseworker shall work with the youth to develop an individualized transition plan.

(3) For youth 14 years and older, the transition plan shall be updated at least every 180 days.

(4) Except as applicable in §D(5) of this regulation, the transition plan shall be finalized 90 days prior to the youth's 18th birthday.

(5) For youth 18 to 21 years old, a transition plan shall be updated at least every 180 days, and shall be finalized 90 days prior to the youth attaining the age of 21 or exiting care.

(6) The youth transition plan shall be:

(a) Personalized at the direction of the youth; and

(b) Detailed with regard to choices and options in:

(i) Housing;

(ii) Health insurance;

(iii) Education;

(iv) Opportunities for mentors and support services;

(v) Employment; and

(vi) Health, including: mental health, sexual health and family planning; and directives concerning decision making if the youth becomes unable to make healthcare decisions.

(7) The youth transition plan shall be documented in the case plan and incorporated in the permanency hearings.

Md. Code Regs. 07.02.10.08

Regulations .08, Independent Living Preparation Program, adopted effective March 4, 2002 (29:4 Md. R. 416); amended effective 44:10 Md. R. 469, eff. 5/22/2017