Juvenile court jurisdiction: services and benefits.

Existing law provides that a minor may be adjudged a dependent child or a ward of the juvenile court under specified circumstances. Existing law authorizes the court to place a minor who has been removed from the custody of his or her parent or guardian in foster care among other placements, as specified. Existing law provides for the termination of the juvenile court jurisdiction when the minor reaches a specified age. This bill would require a probation officer or parole officer, whenever the juvenile court terminates jurisdiction over a ward, or upon release of a ward from a nonfoster care facility, to provide to the person a written notice stating that the person is a former foster child and may be eligible for the services and benefits that are available to a former foster child through public and private programs, and information that informs the person of the availability of, and assistance to enable the ward to apply for and gain acceptance into, federal and state programs that provide independent living services and benefits to former foster children for which the person is or may be eligible. By imposing additional duties upon probation officers, this bill would create 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.