(a) The tribe may continue to provide foster care services on a voluntary basis to a youth in tribal custody who turns 18 prior to completing his or her:

• (1) high school education; or
• (2) General Educational Development (GED).

(b) One month prior to the youth's 18^th birthday, the tribal Child Welfare (CW) worker provides to the CW tribal liaison: 

• (1) a memo requesting voluntary foster care for the youth and a recommended time frame for the care; and
• (2) a written request from the youth requesting voluntary foster care.

(c) The youth:

• (1) signs a notarized statement agreeing to reimburse Oklahoma Department of Human Services for the cost of care with any benefits or resources available;
• (2) remains eligible for voluntary foster care until he or she completes high school or GED requirements or reaches his or her 21^st birthday.  If the youth stops pursuing an education, the youth is no longer eligible for voluntary foster care; and • 1
• (3) agrees to:
  • (A) participate in the development of an independent living (IL) plan outlining the steps to achieve self-sufficiency;
  • (B) participate in IL services and activities; and
  • (C) abide by the IL plan.

(d) The tribal CW worker assists the youth in applying for Title XIX medical benefits as soon as possible after the youth's 18^th birthday.