The transition to adulthood is a critical period for all young people, but it can be especially challenging for those who have grown up in the foster care system. Recognizing these unique challenges, the Extended Foster Care Program (EFC) was established to provide crucial support and stability to youth in foster care, extending assistance beyond the traditional age of 18, up to age 21.
This significant program, primarily enabled by Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) in California, addresses the critical needs of young adults transitioning out of foster care. AB 12, signed into law on September 30, 2010, and effective from January 1, 2012, built upon the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. This federal law gave states the option to extend Title IV-E funding to support foster youth up to the age of 21, and AB 12 made California one of the pioneering states to embrace this opportunity.
Key Components of the Extended Foster Care Program
The core of the extended foster care program is to provide a safety net for eligible youth, allowing them to remain in foster care and receive continued support as they navigate early adulthood. This includes:
- Extending Foster Care to Age 21: The most significant aspect of the EFC program is the extension of foster care benefits and services to eligible youth up to their 21st birthday. This provides several additional years of crucial support compared to the previous system where foster care typically ended at 18.
- Voluntary Participation: Youth who are eligible for extended foster care can choose to participate. Importantly, the program also allows for re-entry. Young adults can leave the extended foster care program and later decide to re-enter, provided they are still under 21 and meet eligibility criteria. This flexibility acknowledges the often non-linear path to independence for young adults.
- Eligibility Criteria: To remain eligible for the extended foster care program, youth must meet at least one of five participation criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that participants are actively working towards self-sufficiency and personal development. These criteria typically involve activities such as:
- Enrolling in secondary or post-secondary education.
- Participating in a vocational training program.
- Being employed for a minimum number of hours per week.
- Actively seeking employment.
- Having a medical condition that prevents them from engaging in the above activities.
- Kin-GAP and Adoption Assistance: Beyond extending general foster care, AB 12 also extended Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) and Adoption Assistance Payments (AAP) up to age 21 for youth who meet specific requirements. This ensures consistent support for youth who achieve permanency through kinship guardianship or adoption.
Benefits of Extended Foster Care
The extended foster care program offers numerous benefits to young adults transitioning from foster care, significantly improving their chances of successful adulthood. These benefits include:
- Housing Stability: Continued placement in a stable living environment, whether with foster parents, in group homes, or supervised independent living settings, is crucial. This prevents homelessness and provides a secure base from which to pursue education, employment, and personal goals.
- Financial Support: Ongoing financial assistance helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing, food, clothing, and transportation. This reduces financial strain and allows young adults to focus on their education or career development without the immediate pressure of full self-sufficiency.
- Case Management and Support Services: Extended foster care program participants continue to receive case management services, connecting them with vital resources such as education support, job training, healthcare, and mental health services. This ongoing support system is invaluable during a complex transition period.
- Improved Educational Outcomes: By providing stability and financial aid, the program encourages and enables young adults to pursue higher education or vocational training, leading to better long-term career prospects and economic self-sufficiency.
- Reduced Risk of Negative Outcomes: Research indicates that extended foster care programs are associated with reduced rates of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and unplanned pregnancies among former foster youth. By providing continued support, these programs help young adults avoid many of the pitfalls associated with aging out of care at 18.
Accessing Extended Foster Care Information and Resources
For those seeking more detailed information about the extended foster care program, or needing to connect with local resources, several avenues are available.
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Local EFC Coordinator: The most direct way to get information is to contact your local EFC Coordinator. These coordinators are county-level experts on the extended foster care program and can provide specific guidance and support. A contact list for EFC Coordinators is available online.
Alt text: Link to Extended Foster Care (EFC) County Coordinator Contact List PDF document for accessing local support.
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CDSS Notifications: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides comprehensive information and policy guidance on the extended foster care program through All County Letters (ACLs), All County Information Notices (ACINs), and County Fiscal Letters (CFLs). These notifications cover various aspects of the program, from eligibility and implementation to specific program requirements and updates. Key examples include:
- ACL 11-69: Provides initial instructions on the policies and procedures of the EFC Program, offering a foundational understanding of the program’s framework.
- ACL 11-85: Focuses on probation youth access to the EFC Program, clarifying the mechanisms for wards of the court to participate.
Alt text: Link to California Department of Social Services (CDSS) All County Letter (ACL) 11-69 regarding Extended Foster Care Program policies and procedures.
- ACL 12-13: Details the assessment and approval processes for relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers, crucial for placement considerations within extended foster care.
Alt text: Link to CDSS ACL 12-13 outlining assessment and SOC forms for relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers in Extended Foster Care.
- ACL 14-33: Addresses out-of-state placements for nonminor dependents in extended foster care, and links to a resource showing states that offer extended foster care.
Alt text: Link to CDSS ACL 14-33 concerning procedures for out-of-state placements for youth in Extended Foster Care programs.
- ACL 18-101: Clarifies eligibility for married youth and youth in non-active duty military service within the extended foster care program, broadening access to support for these specific populations.
Alt text: Link to CDSS ACL 18-101 clarifying Extended Foster Care eligibility for married youth and non-active duty military personnel.
- ACL 21-95: Updates guidance on Supervised Independent Living (SIL) settings and transitional housing options within the extended foster care program, reflecting evolving approaches to independent living support.
Alt text: Link to CDSS ACL 21-95 providing updates on Supervised Independent Living (SIL) settings and transitional housing within Extended Foster Care.
- ACIN I-07-19: Provides information regarding the re-entry process for former probation youth into extended foster care, offering guidance for juvenile courts and social workers.
Alt text: Link to CDSS All County Information Notice (ACIN) I-07-19 about re-entry procedures for former probation youth into Extended Foster Care.
The Extended Foster Care Program represents a significant commitment to supporting vulnerable young adults as they transition to independence. By understanding the program’s components, benefits, and available resources, stakeholders can work together to ensure that eligible youth receive the crucial support they need to thrive. This program is not just an extension of care; it’s an investment in the future success of young people who deserve every opportunity to reach their full potential.
