Rick Scott Will Sign Off on Foster Care Bill

Gov. Rick Scottwill be in Orlando Monday morning to sign a bill that will extend foster care past age 18.

Senate Bill 1036, the Independent Living Act, will give the state jurisdiction over foster children in state care until they are 21. The bill aims to give children a better chance to complete high school, vocational training, or college.

The bill, formally called the "Nancy C. Detert Common Sense and Compassion Independent Living Act," requires community-based providers to create a transition plan for 17-year-olds living in foster care. Young adults would also have the option to remain in foster care or return to foster care after age 18.

About 19,500 children are living in foster care in Florida.

The signing will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Valencia College in Orlando.