In general, a youth committed to the Department will pass from care at the age of eighteen (18).

A youth may continue under care, voluntarily, through the school year of the twenty-first (21) birth date, if such youth:

·    has completed high school or other accepted, full time education/vocational
     program and plans to continue his/her schooling

·     is completing high school and plans to continue full-time, post secondary
      education and/or vocational training.

The Department shall pay higher education expenses for tuition, fees, room and board, books, tutoring and health care remaining after calculating educational grant and scholarship awards through the school year of the youth’s twenty-third (23^rd) birthday.

Cross-Reference:   Policy 42-20-21, Continuation of Education Beyond Age Twenty-One.

Key to continued Department services at age eighteen (18) and beyond is:

·     prior committed status (abused, neglected, uncared for)

·     continued full-time school attendance

·     sustained cooperation with the Department

·     adherence to the treatment plan and post-secondary CHAP contract, and

·   maintenance of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA).

Youth who are discontinued at any point, prior to the end of the school year of the twenty-third (23^rd) birthday, must receive the DCF-800, Notice of Proposed Denial, Suspension, Reduction or Discontinuance of Department Benefits.

If the youth chooses to challenge the Department’s discontinuance of benefits, he or she may request a Fair Hearing pursuant to the DCF-800.  If the Department’s decision to discontinue benefits is upheld by the Hearings Officer, the youth may contact the Bureau Chief of Adolescent and Transitional Services and/or the Department Commissioner for further relief. 

Cross-reference:  Adolescent Discharge Plan, policy 42-10-3

The right to appeal the Department’s decisions is governed by Connecticut General Statutes §4-183.

The DCF-779, Notice at Age of Majority, should be signed approximately ninety (90) days prior to the youth’s eighteenth (18th) birthday by the youth and the Department's Adolescent Specialist, and must also be co-signed by the youth’s attorney or guardian ad-litem (GAL). 

If the youth is to continue in care, the planning must be confirmed in writing at the last ACR, prior to the youth’s eighteenth (18th) birthday.

Only youth placed in non-contiguous states may receive the DCF-779 by mail.  A copy shall also be sent to the caretaker.  The case record shall include discussion of passing from care, related decision-making, and shall also document efforts to reach youth who are not engaged in the planning process.  

Cross-Reference:   Policy 42-10-2, Adolescent Discharge Plan.

Those youth who do not submit the required DCF-779 shall be notified of the discontinuance of Department payments and services upon reaching age eighteen (18).  This shall be done in accordance with established Department procedures, including the opportunity to request a Fair Hearing.

The Adolescent Specialist shall encourage the youth to arrange for a medical and dental check-up prior to termination of care.

If the youth has a trust account, the Adolescent Specialist shall make arrangements for the release of funds to the youth.

Prior to passing from DCF care, every youth shall have a discharge plan created.

Prior to passing from DCF care, every youth shall have a discharge plan.  

Cross-Reference:  Policy 42-10-2, Adolescent Discharge Plan.