Nonminor dependents: county of residence.

Assembly Member Lee proposes changes to California's juvenile dependency system that would reduce the time required for nonminor dependents to establish residency in a new county from one year to six months. The legislation allows these young adults to request jurisdiction transfers by demonstrating significant connections to their desired county through employment, education, housing arrangements, or supportive relationships.

The bill establishes specific timelines for courts processing these transfers, requiring orders to be issued within 60 days of a request. The receiving county would assume jurisdiction within 20 days after the transfer order. During regular review hearings, courts must now explicitly consider whether nonminor dependents have requested jurisdiction transfers to new counties.

For nonminor dependents in permanent planned living arrangements, the legislation requires courts to evaluate their progress in maintaining connections with caring adults and assess their transitional independent living plans during six-month review hearings. Licensed foster family agencies must document that nonminor dependents receive all required information and support services while courts consider potential jurisdiction transfers.

The measure preserves existing protections regarding adoption proceedings, requiring detailed assessments of prospective adoptive relationships and ensuring mutual consent between parties. Courts must continue evaluating whether adoption serves the nonminor dependent's best interests before finalizing any adoptions or terminating dependency jurisdiction.