Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12), enacted on September 30, 2010, and effective from January 1, 2012, established California’s Foster Care 18-21 Program, also known as Extended Foster Care (EFC). This landmark legislation, along with subsequent amendments like AB 212, was designed to improve outcomes for young adults in foster care by aligning with the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. Federal law allows states to extend Title IV-E assistance to eligible youth in child welfare or probation systems, enabling them to remain in foster care up to the age of 21.
California’s foster care 18-21 program under AB 12 provides a crucial safety net, allowing eligible young people within the child welfare and probation systems to continue receiving foster care benefits and support until they reach 21 years of age. Participants in the foster care 18-21 program have the flexibility to leave and re-enter the program before turning 21, offering a valuable opportunity for continued support during their transition to adulthood. To maintain eligibility in extended foster care, youth must fulfill at least one of five participation criteria, ensuring they are actively working towards self-sufficiency. Furthermore, AB 12 extended Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) and Adoption Assistance Payments (AAP) up to age 21 for eligible youth, providing broader financial support options.
For those seeking local support and guidance regarding the foster care 18-21 program, a valuable resource is the Extended Foster Care County Contact List. This directory can help connect individuals with EFC Coordinators in their specific county for personalized assistance and information.
Key Resources and Notifications for Foster Care 18-21 Program
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued numerous notifications to clarify and guide the implementation of the foster care 18-21 program. These notifications, primarily in the form of All County Letters (ACLs) and All County Information Notices (ACINs), cover various aspects of the program, ensuring consistent application and understanding across counties.
All County Letters (ACLs) provide detailed instructions on policies and procedures related to the foster care 18-21 program. They address critical areas such as:
- Program Implementation: ACLs like ACL11-69 offer initial guidance on the policies and procedures governing the Extended Foster Care Program, setting the foundation for its operation.
- Probation Youth Access: ACL11-85 specifically clarifies access to the foster care 18-21 program for youth under probation, outlining mechanisms for wards of the court to participate.
- Kin-GAP Program Updates: Changes to the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program due to AB 12 are detailed in ACL11-15, ensuring alignment with extended foster care provisions.
- System Implementation: ACL12-05 focuses on the practical aspects of implementing the foster care 18-21 program within the CWS/CMS system, including special project codes and revised forms.
- Placement Guidelines: ACL12-13 provides direction on assessing and approving relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers, crucial for placement within the program.
- Out-of-State Placements: ACL 14-33 addresses procedures for placing Nonminor Dependents (NMDs) participating in the foster care 18-21 program in out-of-state facilities, ensuring continuity of care.
- Financial Support Details: ACLs like ACL 17-93, ACL 18-15, and ACL 18-101 clarify aspects like infant supplement payments, last payment dates, and eligibility for married youth or those in non-active duty military service within the foster care 18-21 program.
- Supervised Independent Living: ACL 21-95 details updates to Supervised Independent Living (SIL) settings, expanding options for youth in the program.
All County Information Notices (ACINs) provide informational updates and resources. Relevant ACINs include:
- Training Resources: ACIN1-78-11 offers information on training activities related to the Extended Foster Care Program, supporting professional development in this area.
- Judicial Council Information: ACIN I-07-19 introduces resources from the Judicial Council regarding re-entry to foster care for former probation youth aged 18-21, highlighting pathways back into the foster care 18-21 program.
County Fiscal Letters (CFLs) address financial aspects. For instance, CFL10/11-61 details funding allocations for the Kin-GAP Program Administration.
This overview of the foster care 18-21 program and its associated resources aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this critical support system for young adults transitioning from foster care in California. By leveraging AB 12 and the wealth of guidance documents, the foster care 18-21 program strives to empower young people to achieve greater stability and success as they move towards independence.
