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HB 5345

AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Casimiro and 6 co-sponsors

HB 5345 extends DCYF and Family Court supervision for youths in care to age 26, with voluntary extension to 21/26 for eligible 18-year-olds and strengthened transition planning.

04/01/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5345

Summary — HB 5345

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN — PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
Introduced: February 7, 2025 (Rep. Casimiro et al.) — House Judiciary
Current status (as of 04/01/2025): Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Purpose

HB 5345 revises § 14-1-6 (Retention of jurisdiction) of the Rhode Island General Laws to (1) extend the ages through which Family Court and the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) may continue legal supervision and care for youth who entered court jurisdiction as minors, and (2) strengthen transition planning requirements before youth exit care.

Key provisions and changes

  • Raises certain age limits for continued court jurisdiction and DCYF responsibility:
    • Subsection (a): a child adjudicated wayward or delinquent remains under court jurisdiction until age 19 (previously 18).
    • Multiple subsections update references that would allow voluntary extended care and court supervision beyond age 21 to age 26 (text shows changes from “twenty-one (21)” to “twenty-six (26)”).
  • Transition planning requirements (subsection (b)):
    • At least six months before a youth turns 18, DCYF must provide a description of transition services (housing, health insurance, education/employment plan, mentors, workforce supports) or explain why services were not offered.
    • DCYF must inform the youth of the opportunity to voluntarily agree to extended care and court supervision up to age 21/26.
    • Transition plans should be developed in consultation with the youth and approved by the court before dismissal of certain petitions prior to the youth’s 21/26th birthday.
  • Voluntary extension eligibility (subsection (c)):
    • A youth in foster care on their 18th birthday may elect to remain in DCYF care and under court supervision until age 21/26 if:
    • They were in DCYF legal custody at 18; and
    • They are participating in at least one: completing HS/GED, enrolled in postsecondary/vocational education, job-training, employed ≥80 hours/month, or are medically unable (documented).
  • Former foster youth (subsection (d)):
    • Youth adopted or placed in guardianship with assistance agreements executed between ages 16–18, or youth whose reunification before 18 later fails, may opt into extended care under similar eligibility rules; DCYF must first attempt post-adoptive/guardianship supports.
  • Termination/reinstatement (subsection (e)):
    • Youth can request termination of supervision and later request reinstatement prior to their 21/26th birthday if they meet eligibility requirements; DCYF may move to terminate for good cause.
  • Other retained/clarifying provisions:
    • Existing COVID-era language about temporary jurisdictional extensions and provisions for youth who are seriously emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed (including interagency transition plans) remain in statute, with coordination required between DCYF and behavioral health/developmental agencies.

Who is affected

  • Youth in foster care or under Family Court jurisdiction (particularly those turning 18)
  • Former foster youth who were adopted, in guardianship, or reunified
  • DCYF and Family Court (administration, case planning, and oversight)
  • Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and other partner agencies
  • Service providers (education, employment, housing, mentors)

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Feb 7, 2025; read first time Apr 7, 2025; referred to multiple committees including House Judiciary and Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs in the legislative history.
  • As of Apr 1, 2025, committee recommended the measure be held for further study.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Expanding eligibility to age 26 could increase DCYF caseloads and fiscal responsibilities (housing, benefits, case management).
  • Strengthened transition planning and court oversight may improve stability and outcomes for older youth leaving care, contingent on funding and interagency coordination.
  • Eligibility criteria (education, employment 80 hrs/month, training) create measurable conditions for extended support but may exclude some youth without robust supports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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