Dependent children.

Existing law imposes various duties on the county welfare department at any hearing to terminate jurisdiction over a dependent child who has reached the age of majority. Among other duties, the county must submit a report verifying that certain information, documents, and services have been provided to the child including written information concerning the child's dependency case that includes any known information regarding the child's Indian heritage or tribal connections, if applicable, his or her family history and placement history, and any photographs of the child or his or her family in the possession of the department, except as specified. The documents provided must also include a letter prepared by the county welfare department that includes specified information regarding the child, including the dates the child was within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, and, if applicable, a social security card, a certified birth certificate, a health and education summary, an identification card, a death certificate of parent or parents, and proof of citizenship or residence. The court is authorized to continue jurisdiction if it finds that the county welfare department has not met these requirements and that termination of jurisdiction would be harmful to the best interests of the child. This bill would require the county welfare department to fulfill these duties at the court hearing closest to and before a dependent child's 18th birthday, or at the hearing to terminate jurisdiction over a dependent child who has reached the age of majority, whichever is earlier. The bill would additionally require that the report verifying the information, documents, and services provided to the child include the date when the child entered the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and the date when that jurisdiction is expected to terminate, all addresses of residency while under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, a voter registration form, and, if applicable, a United States Selective Service registration form. The bill would require the county welfare department to screen the child and file for the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, if the child is likely to be eligible for benefits, and to ensure that the child has received a consumer credit report, as specified. The bill would require the court to continue jurisdiction if it finds that the county welfare department has not provided to the child the information, documents, and services described above, unless the child no longer wishes to be a dependent of the court. By imposing additional duties on local employees, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.