Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18 - American Samoa

Availability of Foster Care to Age 21

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 45.0354; 45.0364

When a child has been adjudicated to be neglected or dependent, the court shall enter a decree of disposition. When the decree does not terminate parental rights, it shall include one or more of the following provisions that the court finds appropriate:

• The court may place the child in the legal custody of one or both parents or the guardian, with or without protective supervision, under conditions the court may impose, under § 45.0346.
• The court may place the child in the legal custody of a relative or other suitable person, with or without protective supervision, under conditions the court may impose, under § 45.0346.
• The court may place legal custody in a child placement agency for placement in a family care home, the Department of Health, or other child care facility.
• The court may order that the child be examined or treated by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrists, or psychologist or that they receive other special care and may place the child in a suitable facility for those purposes.

The jurisdiction of the court over any child adjudicated as neglected or dependent continues until they reach age 21 unless terminated by court order.

Requirements for Remaining in Placement

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Placement Agreements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Transition Supports Provided

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.