On March 19, 2024, Senate Bill 5908 Extended Foster Care (EFC) was officially signed into law. Beginning on June 6, 2024, the following elements of the bill will go into effect: Any young person who is dependent at age 18 will be eligible for Extended Foster Care; Young people can sign a voluntary placement agreement or an agreement to participate in EFC anytime within six months of their 18th birthday (even before they turn 18), and they can sign those forms electronically; and young people who enroll in EFC must receive their first subsidy within one month.

This marks The Mockingbird Society’s 70th major legislative win since its inception in 2000.

This support agenda item was carried to the finish line by Northstar Advocates and The Bridge Coalition. The Bridge will create two 6-10 bed community-based housing programs that young people can stay in for 1-90 days as they identify long-term housing. Behavioral health services, consultation, and technical assistance will be provided.