When a state ward becomes 18 years of age and the state ward and the department agree that need for care and support for educational, social or physical reasons exists, the department is authorized to continue care and support of this person up to 21 years of age. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. N, §54 (NEW).]

When a state ward who is enrolled in a postsecondary education program becomes 21 years of age prior to the completion of the postsecondary education program, the department is authorized, at its discretion and by agreement with that state ward, to continue providing support for room, board and related education expenses until the state ward becomes 23 years of age. Funds allocated under this section must come from an identified education and training account specifically established for the postsecondary education-related costs of state wards after they become 21 years of age and before they become 23 years of age. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. N, §54 (NEW).]