By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would raise the maximum age at which children can remain in extended foster care to 23.
The extended foster care program helps prevent youth from becoming homeless and losing support immediately when they hit age 18. In 2021, the state already implemented an extended foster care program but caps it at age 21.
Being in extended foster care allows young adults to receive funding for qualified items such as housing and training. It also allows the young person to stay with a willing foster parent and access health care, in an effort to help them better transition into adulthood.
HB 245 passed the House in a 53-17 vote. It now heads to the Senate.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.