COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation allowing older youths leaving Missouri's foster care system to return if it's in their best interest.
Missouri allows people to remain in the foster care system until age 21 but limited re-entry to those who leave before turning 18. Now, people will be able to re-enter until age 21.
In addition, foster children age 15 or older and those in the Division of Youth Services program will be required to visit a Missouri university, community or technical college or military recruiter. The visit could be waived by the teen's family support team.
Nixon held a bill signing ceremony Thursday at the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia. He says older youths sometimes need the ability to return to their safety net.
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Foster care legislation is SB205 and SB208
Online:
Nixon: http://www.gov.mo.gov
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov