214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-30-00-1.22

Current through November 7, 2024

Section 214-RICR-30-00-1.22 - Discharge Plans for Youth Exiting Care at Age 18 or Older

A. Youth who are likely to be closed to the Department on or after their eighteenth (18^th) birthday are not discharged unless reasonable efforts have been made to prepare the youth for transition toward a self-sufficient and productive adult life.

B. At least six (6) months prior to a child turning eighteen (18) years of age, or up to the age of twenty-one (21) if the young adult elects to participate in the VEC program, the Department is required to provide the Family Court with a description of the transition services afforded to the youth or young adult or a detailed explanation of why such services were not offered.

1. Minimally this description must include the youth's housing, health insurance, education and/or employment plan, available mentors and continuing support services including workforce supports and employment supports.

2. The details of this plan are developed in consultation with the youth whenever possible and approved by the Family Court prior to the dismissal of an abuse, neglect, dependency, or miscellaneous petition before the youth's twenty-first (21) birthday.

C. During the ninety-day period immediately prior to the date on which a youth in foster care will attain eighteen (18) years of age, or up to the age of twenty-one (21) if the young adult elects to participate in the VEC program, the primary service worker and, as appropriate, other representatives of the youth, provide the youth with assistance and support in developing a discharge plan which is documented in the service plan. The discharge plan is personalized at the direction of the youth and is as detailed as the youth may elect.

1. The Discharge Plan is focused around skills to gain independence and transition to successful adulthood and includes specific options in the following areas:

a. Housing;

b. Health insurance;

c. Education;

d. Local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services;

e. Workforce supports and employment services.

2. The discharge plan includes information about:

a. The importance of designating another individual to make health care treatment decisions on behalf of the youth if the youth becomes unable to participate in such decisions and the youth does not have, or does not want, a relative who would otherwise be authorized under RI law to make such decisions, and

b. Provides the youth with the option to execute a health care power of attorney.

D. The Department assists with federal benefits as appropriate.

E. Youth leaving out of home placements due to attaining eighteen (18) years of age, or up to the age of twenty-one (21) if the young adult elects to participate in the VEC program, unless the youth has been in care for less than six (6) months, must receive the following documents upon discharge from the Department:

1. official documentation that the youth was in foster care;

2. an official or certified copy of the United States birth certificate of the child;

3. a social security card issued by the Commissioner of Social Security;

4. health insurance information;

5. a copy of the child's medical records; and

6. a driver's license or state issued identification card.

F. Upon closing to the Department, the primary service worker informs the youth that the youth must provide the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHSS) Medical Division with notice of all address changes to ensure that all Medical Assistance correspondence is delivered to the youth and that coverage is maintained.

214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-30-00-1.22

Adopted effective 12/27/2018