Navigating the Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood in California, By Hannah Stombler-Levine.

Young people aging out of the foster care or juvenile justice systems across the country commonly face challenges in education, employment and overall well being. As a foster care advocate, Hannah Stombler-Levine outlines some tips for advocates and care providers in California specifically.

The Aging Out Process in California

Since 2020, California foster youth can elect to continue foster care after they turn 18 with AB 12. AB 12, or Extended Foster Care, allows eligible youth in the foster care and probation systems to remain in care until the age of 21.

In order to qualify for AB 12, youth must meet 1 of 5 criteria outlined below.:

1. Working toward completion of high school or equivalent program

2. Enrollment in higher education or vocational education program

3. Employed at least 80 hours per month

4. Participating in a program to remove barriers to employment; or (the threshold is low, even applying for work, or meeting monthly with a case worker or PO qualify as meeting this criterion)

5. The inability to participate in any of the above programs due to a verified medical condition.

To read more about AB 12, check out the California Gov site, or Children’s Law Center of California site

Whether youth decide to partake in AB 12 or choose to age out at 18, many decisions must be made as these youth begin to navigate adulthood.

Questions such as Where will they live?, Will they work, go to school, or both? How will they get to and from their job or school? are only a few questions foster youth face when aging out of the system. 

While every county is different in California, here are some programs to look for in your county.

California Housing Programs :

1. Independent Living Skills Program (also commonly referred to as ILP or ILSP): ILSP offers a full range of services designed to assist and support emancipating foster care and probation-involved youth in their transition to independent living. 

2. Transitional Housing Program-Plus (commonly referred to as THP Plus): Check eligibility based on your county as many no longer are recognized for Federal funding. These programs help located and secure transitional housing for youth.

3. Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program: Most counties have a Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program which includes three programs aimed at preventing homelessness by finding secure housing for youth adults aged 18 to 24 who were currently, or are formerly in the foster care or probation systems. Look for the TAY program in your county for more information.

California Educational Programs:

1. Foster Care to Success: College Funds for Foster Youth:  The only national organization specifically focusing on support, education and workforce development for youth aging out of the foster care system.

2. YESS: Available at 18 California community college campuses, this program helps students ages 16–21 with academic performance and life skills training.

3. NextUp: This program offers support to eligible current and former foster youth. 

4. Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV): This program awards up to $5,000 to help current and former foster youth pay for college or career training.

Employment and Job Readiness Programs

1. Students Rising Above: Students Rising Above invests in low-income, first generation college students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to education and strength of character in overcoming tremendous odds of poverty, homelessness, and neglect. 

2. Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP): Not specifically for foster youth, but open to all at-risk youth between ages 15 and 25. YEOP specialists are peer advisors with lived experience and can provide referrals to services, career coaching and training. 

3. GetMyFuture: Created by the US Department of Labor, GetMyFuture helps youth plan their careers, explore education and training options and search and apply for jobs.

DID YOU KNOW: Students With Experience in Foster Care Can Go to College for Free in California. Read more about it here

Mental Health and Well-being

• A Home Within: An amazing program offering free mental health services to anyone who has spent time in foster care. All clinicians are volunteers. Know of a clinician who would be interested in volunteering, click here.

• Family Urgent Response System (FURS): Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is a free 24/7/365 hotline for current or former foster youth and your caregivers to call and get immediate help for any big or small issues you may be having 24/7/365.

Legal Aid and Advocacy

1. National Center for Youth Law: A private, non-profit law office serving the legal needs of children and their families.

2. Legal Services For Children: Legal Services for Children provides free legal and social services to children and youth under 18 years old in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conclusion

While not always perfect, California has enacted various pieces of legislation over the past 20 years to reduce the barriers for transitional-aged youth exiting foster care. These efforts aim to provide support in terms of educational opportunities, housing solutions, and community assistance, allowing foster youth to embark on their journey to adulthood with the necessary support.

Call to Action

Share this blog to raise awareness about the challenges and resources available for transitioning foster youth in California. If you have experiences or tips to share, connect with us. For additional support, refer to the listed resources and helplines.