AUGUSTA — A bill sponsored by Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, to support youth aging out of foster care recently received unanimous committee support.

LD 1091, “An Act To Improve the Long-term Outcomes for Youth Transitioning from State Care by Raising the Upper Age Limit for Voluntary Support Eligibility,” was voted ought to pass as amended by the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.

“For the past eight years, I have had the pleasure and honor of working with young adults who are in the care of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services,” said Sen. Curry. “These are amazingly diverse young people who have great personal strengths. However, the challenges facing our young people who leave care at 18 are also great. Too often, our youth are in over their heads and left unsupported for the challenges that come their way.” 

As amended, LD 1091 would allow those who turn 18 while in the care and custody of the state to opt to participate in care up though age 22, instead of age 20.

The bill makes a corresponding change in the transition grant program for people exiting extended care and pursuing a postsecondary education by changing the requirement that to be eligible to participate in the program an individual must be at least 21 years of age to a requirement that an individual must be at least 23 years of age.

“For those who age out of care at 18, we expect the transition to adulthood to be far more compressed,” said Sen. Curry. “We expect a level of self-sufficiency far greater than their similarly aged, family-supported peers. LD 1091 would give these young adults more supports as they age out of care and transition into adulthood.”

LD 1091 faces additional language review in committee before going to the Senate and House for further votes.