Adoption Assistance Program: eligibility.

Existing law establishes the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) for the purpose of benefiting children residing in foster homes by providing the stability and security of permanent homes. Under existing law, a child is eligible for AAP benefits if they meet, among other requirements, an age requirement wherein the child is (1) under 18 years of age, (2) under 21 years of age with a mental or physical handicap, or (3) under 21 years of age, has attained 16 years of age before the adoption assistance agreement became effective, and one or more of specified conditions are met. This bill would expand that 3rd category of the age requirement for AAP benefits by removing the requirement that the child has attained 16 years of age before the adoption assistance agreement became effective, and by increasing the eligible age to under 26 years of age. The bill would also require a county to include an application for extension of benefits when notifying adoptive parents of a child under 21 years of age of the expiration of benefits due to age. By expanding eligibility of a county-administered program, thereby imposing duties on counties, this 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.