Page 173

(2) meet other eligibility criteria established by the department under (b) of this section. (b) The department may adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of AS 47.18.300 — 47.18.390, including regulations establishing eligibility thresholds, standards, and limits for the program. The department shall develop the regulations in consultation with those public and private organizations considered necessary by the department. Sec. 47.18.310. Program design. The department, in coordination with local public and private agencies, shall design the program as a continuation of the training efforts related to independent living skills that were initiated when the state foster care recipients were identified as being likely to remain in state foster care until reaching the age of 18. The program design must require that program participants are directly involved in identifying the program activities that will prepare them for independent living. Sec. 47.18.320. Program development. (a) Subject to the availability of an appropriation made for the purposes of AS 47.18.300 — 47.18.390, the program may provide (1) education and vocational training; (2) assistance in obtaining educational and vocational training; (3) career and employment services; (4) training in basic life skills; (5) housing and utility assistance; (6) mentoring and counseling; and (7) other appropriate services to complement the efforts of former state foster care recipients to achieve self-sufficiency. (b) In developing the program, the department shall cooperate with and coordinate the use of the resources available from other state and federal agencies designed to provide support and services consistent with the purposes of the program. (c) If appropriations to meet the purposes of this section are insufficient, the department shall submit a written report to the legislature advising the legislature of (1) the department's efforts to use existing funds efficiently; and (2) the opportunities and services the department cannot provide under the existing appropriation level. (d) When an individual 16 years of age or older who has been in state custody under AS 47.10 for at least six months is released from state custody, the department shall, in addition to any training, services, and assistance provided under (a) — (c) of this section, provide the individual with or assist the individual with obtaining the individual's (1) birth certificate; the birth certificate may be an official or certified copy;