Children in Need of Assistance - Permanency Plan Requirements

HB 1383 modifies Maryland's juvenile court process for children in foster care by requiring courts to make specific, detailed findings about local child welfare departments' "reasonable efforts" in creating permanency plans. The bill mandates courts to assess whether departments met nine individualized needs - including health, education, safety, housing, and financial preparation - before finalizing plans or conducting review hearings. It also adds specific requirements for youth aged 18+ to prepare for independence, such as securing health insurance, applying for benefits, and establishing housing plans. This bill directly affects juvenile courts, child welfare departments, and children in foster care, particularly those transitioning to adulthood.