(a)      (1)      In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

            (2)      "Step-down aftercare" means:

                  (i)      A network of programs providing education and rehabilitation; and

                  (ii)      Services and treatment to ease the transition of children from the custody of the Department to their homes and communities.

            (3)      "Step-down aftercare plan" means an individualized plan for each child in step-down aftercare that proposes specific assistance, guidance, treatment, services, and supervision that:

                  (i)      Prepares the child for reentry into the specific community to which the child will return;

                  (ii)      Ensures the delivery of prescribed services to the child in the community; and

                  (iii)      Monitors conduct in the community to ensure public safety.

      (b)      (1)      A child discharged from a committed residential placement shall receive step-down aftercare for a period to be determined by the Department.

            (2)      A child in step-down aftercare shall receive:

                  (i)      A step-down aftercare plan;

                  (ii)      Supervision by step-down aftercare staff in accordance with the step-down aftercare plan;

                  (iii)      Educational services; and

                  (iv)      Any other services necessary to implement the step-down aftercare plan.

      (c)      The step-down aftercare staff shall:

            (1)      Prepare a step-down aftercare plan for each child in aftercare assigned to the step-down aftercare program and file the plan with the Department;

            (2)      Keep regular records concerning the progress of each child;

            (3)      File a monthly progress report on each child with the Department; and

            (4)      File an annual report on the outcome of step-down aftercare plans for the children in the step-down aftercare program, that shall include to the extent possible:

                  (i)      Information on the number of children who:

                        1.      Are rearrested;

                        2.      Are rearrested and charged with serious or violent offenses;

                        3.      Are rearrested and waived to the adult system;

                        4.      Are re-referred to the Department;

                        5.      Are readjudicated and recommitted;

                        6.      Graduate from high school or successfully complete a high school equivalency examination; and

                        7.      Are employed; and

                  (ii)      Other relevant information.