Q: Is a non-minor ward (under 602 jurisdiction) over 19 subject to the group home placement restriction?
A: Yes, a non-minor ward (under 602 jurisdiction) is subject to the group home placement restriction. This restriction prohibits the continuation in or admission to a group home after a non-minor dependent either completes high school or attains his or her 19th birthday, whichever is earlier unless it is necessary to remain in the group home due to a documented medical condition.
The possible exception to this is if a judge orders ongoing group home placement for a non-minor ward (under 602 jurisdiction) to meet his or her rehabilitative goals. In this circumstance, the judge’s order would supersede the restriction.
Source: Welf. & Inst. Code § 16501.1 (c)(1); All County Letter 11‐77; All County Letter 11-69