Wards: termination of juvenile court jurisdiction.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge a minor to be a ward of the court on the basis of the minor's delinquent behavior. Under existing law, the jurisdiction of the juvenile court may continue until the ward attains 21 or 25 years of age, depending on the nature of the offense. Existing law requires the juvenile court to hold a hearing prior to terminating jurisdiction over a ward who is subject to an order of foster care, as specified. Under existing law, whenever the juvenile court terminates jurisdiction over a ward who has also been designated a dependent of the court or previously placed into foster care, the probation or parole officer is required to provide the ward with specified information and documents relating to benefits for former foster children. This bill would prohibit the juvenile court from terminating jurisdiction over a ward who has attained 17 years of age until the court conducts a hearing and finds that the probation department has provided, or made reasonable efforts to provide, certain information, documents, and services to the ward. The bill would authorize a juvenile court, at its discretion, to make these provisions applicable to a ward under 17 years of age, if requested by the ward, and if the court finds that doing so is in the ward's best interest. By imposing duties on probation officers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also direct the Judicial Council to develop and implement standards and forms necessary to implement these provisions. 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.