Fact Sheet: Overview of SB 187: Updates to Foster Youth Rights Regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Foster Care Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Assistance Program (created by AB 1633 (2005) and AB 1331 (2007)), and codified at Welf. & Inst. Code Section 13750, et seq., represents the California Legislature’s attempts to maximize utilization of Social Security Administration benefits among foster youth, including probation-supervised foster youth, as they approach adulthood. […]
Template Letters for SSI/OASDI Advocacy for California Foster Youth
This resource contains template letters to request information and actions related to foster youth clients, including probation-supervised foster youth, who may be receiving Social Security Administration benefits or for whom you want an eligibility screening and/or benefits application to be made. These templates are for use by attorneys in California, including dependency counsel, juvenile defenders, and […]
Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Transition Aged Foster and Former Foster Youth: A Presentation of the Youth Law Center
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY). This presentation provides an overview of extended foster care in California, transitional housing options for current and former foster youth, housing preservation strategies, the FYI & FUP Housing Choice Voucher Programs, and supportive services to maintain […]
Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD: A Presentation of the Youth Law Center
Homelessness and housing/placement instability are a critical issue facing transition-aged youth in California. Despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth in extended foster care, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration of participation. This training provides a foundational understanding of the Transitional Housing Placement Program for […]
Housing Preservation Strategies: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Transition Aged Foster and Former Foster Youth (Slide 14)
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY), and despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration for participation in these programs. This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: […]
Glossary of Terms: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD provides a glossary of key terms used in the presentation, including legal citations and sources of law.
Hypotheticals: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD provides advocacy considerations and answers to the hypotheticals and questions presented in Slides 45-51.
Unusual Circumstances Override
This resource provides guidance on how to assist youth who cannot obtain parental information to complete the FAFSA. Federal law allows youth to qualify for financial aid without providing parental information if they qualify as an independent student or if they qualify for a dependency override due to “unusual circumstances.” This guide explains what unusual circumstances are and […]
What is CalAim? A YLC Fact Sheet
Youth Law Center Housing Resources (2020-present)
Homelessness and housing/placement instability for current foster youth, youth in extended foster care and former foster youth, are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY) (ages 16-25) in California. Despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration of participation This resource […]
Golden State Social Opportunities Program
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus)
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program designed to provide housing and supportive transitional services to former foster youth who are 18 to 25 years of age, including youth who were placed in foster care by juvenile probation. The dual components of THP-Plus include (1) the housing subsidy and services facilitated by the county and (2) youth’s […]
Policy Alert: THP-Plus Program Expansion: A Resource for Current and Former Foster Youth in California
The Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program that provides housing and supportive services to former foster youth who are 18 to 25 years-old, including youth who were placed in foster care by the juvenile justice court. This resource for current and former foster youth provides an overview of the THP-Plus program and […]
An Overview of FYI/FUP Vouchers: A Resource for Current and Former Foster Youth in California
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative and Family Unification Program (FUP) are Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs available to Public Housing Authorities that work in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs). This resource provides an overview of FYI and FUP for young people who are leaving or have left foster care.
Maximizing Housing Entitlements for Current and Former Foster Youth
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing system-impacted transition-aged youth (TAY). This resource shows how a youth may maximize their time using housing options available to current and former foster youth in California.
TAY PX Flyer
FYI/FUP Template Letters
Assisting young adults in securing affordable housing continues to be a challenging task. The tools included with this packet can be used as one strategy among many to help your clients access affordable housing. Please note that these strategies aim to increase your county’s use of FUP and FYI vouchers and likely will not result […]
Information gathering letter on existing FYI program
Referral letter for FUP from Civil Legal Aid attorney
Referral letter for FYI from Civil Legal Aid attorney
FYI Referral Letter CA Attorneys
FYI and FUP for Youth Overview Factsheet
S 2689 FAQ
S. 2689 Two Pager
National Tax FAQ for TAY
THP-NMD: An Advocacy Guide to Preventing Involuntary Exits
Transition Planning Check List for Young People Aging Out on December 31st
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Placement for Non-Minor Dependents (THP-NMD)
The Transitional Housing Placement program for Non-Minor Dependents (THP-NMD) is a transitional housing placement for nonminor dependents (NMDs), ages 18 to 21. THP-NMD programs offer supervised, transitional housing services to nonminor dependent foster youth under the supervision of the county welfare department or the juvenile probation department. A transitional housing provider can serve youth ages […]
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Placement for Minors (THP-M)
The Transitional Housing Placement Program for Minors (THP-M) is a transitional housing placement for youth in foster care ages 16 to 18. The THP-M program offers supervised, transitional housing services to foster youth under the supervision of the county welfare department or the juvenile probation department. A transitional housing provider can serve youth ages 16 […]
Six Ways to Ensure Transition Aged Youth Leverage Federal Support During and Post-Pandemic
A few things you can do to help transition aged youth with experience in the foster care system benefit from the vital aid that was intended for them, but that many are not receiving.
Recommendations at a Glance: A Call to Action for Transition-Aged Youth During the Pandemic
A Call to Action For Transition-Aged Foster Youth During the Pandemic
A Call to Action For Transition-Aged Foster Youth During the Pandemic
Benefits for Young Adults – American Rescue Plan
Many young adults, including older youth in foster care, are eligible for an array of benefits through the American Rescue Plan, but many do not know about these benefits or how to access them. Economic Impact Payments, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, are among the benefits that young people may […]
TAY Pandemic Funding Maximization Matrix
Transition-aged youth continue to face challenges during the pandemic and recovery. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan have provided an array of funds and benefits, however, many young people and their advocates are not aware of all that is available for transition aged youth and young adults. This matrix provides […]
Ensuring Stability and Success for Youth Tenants in THP-Plus
Youth Law Center and Bay Area Legal Aid have created a new resource that we hope will be useful to your advocacy. Ensuring Stability and Success for Youth Tenants in THP-Plus was developed to help civil legal advocates initiate capacity-building conversations about transition planning with THP-Plus providers and the county agencies that oversee them. THP-Plus is a transitional program for former foster […]
Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-Plus
Preventing Involuntary Exits from Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) was developed after young adults reported being exited prematurely from their transitional housing programs, sometimes without notice or proper process. In THP-Plus, a transitional program for former foster youth, a quarter of program exits are involuntary. Our new advocacy guide summarizes the legal protections that young adults […]
Youth Returning to the Community from Juvenile Justice Facilities: A Guide for Advocates
No child should remain in custody due to the lack of a reentry plan. Now more than ever, the juvenile justice system must make every possible effort to return detained youth to their families and/or home communities. This guide is for advocates working to release detained youth and support them in the community during the […]
Seven Strategies Counties Can Implement to Ensure Housing Stability and Maximize Participation in THP-Plus During COVID-19
Did you know that the California state budget recently made changes to the eligibility requirements for THP-Plus? THP-Plus is a transitional housing program for young adults who have exited foster care, but it is time-limited. Recognizing that the normal time limitations were putting former foster youth at risk of homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis, the […]
Six Immediate Steps for THP-Plus Stability
Youth Law Center, in partnership with John Burton Advocates for Youth and Bay Area Legal Aid, has developed a resource to promote housing stability among youth in California’s Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus). THP-Plus programs provide transitional housing and supportive services for former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24, and sometimes up to […]
Emergency Planning Toolkit for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care
Updated August 31, 2021. YLC has created an emergency planning resource to support attorneys and advocates working with transition age youth and their families during this crisis. The resource focuses on planning with TAY in foster care, but much of the content applies more broadly to all young people and their families. We hope that […]
Transitional House Program-Plus (THP-Plus) – YLC Fact Sheet
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing placement program designed to provide housing and supportive services to former foster youth who are 18 to 24 years of age. This fact sheet discusses Transitional Housing Program-Plus.
Closing the Extracurriculars Gap: Prioritizing Extracurricular Activities as a Key Intervention for Children and Youth in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice
This Youth Law Center report describes the benefits of extracurricular participation for youth, families, and communities; highlights the legal and policy supports for extracurricular participation for system-involved youth; lists system barriers to extracurricular participation; explores ways to overcome those barriers; and makes recommendations to increase extracurricular participation for system-involved youth. The report notes that extracurriculars […]
AB 1849: Fact Sheet
Fact sheet on AB 1849 (Gipson): Medi-Cal for Emancipating Foster Youth
AB 1849 – Request for Signature
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 1849, a bill intended to reduce barriers to foster youth receiving uninterrupted Medi-Cal services as they exit care. YLC co-sponsored this bill.
Foster Care SSI Support Letter
Letter of support to SSA regarding extension of window for foster youth to apply for SSI benefits when transitioning out of foster care
Former Foster Care Enrolled in Medi-cal
Charts showing numbers of former foster youth enrolled in Medi-cal.
Job Annoucement
YLC Announcement for a Staff Attorney with with a minimum of seven years of experience in the juvenile justice and/or child welfare system.
Bill to Extend Foster Care Benefits for Probation Youth Clears California Senate Committee
Article appearing in Chronicle of Social Change on SB 12, bill to grant extended foster care benefits to probation supervised youth.
Angel Enters Foster Care through Probation’s Door
Article in Chronicle of Social Change about pending legislation, SB 12, to extend foster care benefits to probation involved youth.
Widening Door on Extended Foster Care for Probation Youth
Articlein Chronicle of Social Change on how SB 12 will make it easier for foster youth in probation to get extended foster care benefits.
SB 12 Support Letter
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB 12, a bill to provide a support net to vulnerable former foster youth under the age of 21, who were excluded in prior legislative efforts to extend foster care to youth who require the assistance and protections of the child welfare system in a healthy transition […]
Medi-cal Coverage Until 26: Health Care for Former Foster Youth
Fact Sheet on Medi-Cal Coverage for former foster youth, including who qualifies, how to sign up and what does it cover.
Advocates letter to CDHSC re former foster youth and IAP 24 Month Roadmap
Letter from children’s advocacy coalition to CDHCS regarding problems enrolling former foster youth in Medi-Cal through the single Streamlined Application on-line portal and urging programming changes that prioritize foster youth immediately.
DHCS Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Flyer from DHCS on Medi-Cal for former foster youth —who qualifies and how to sign up,
ACWDL 14-41 – Enrollment in the Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Program for Mandatory Coverage Group and Optional Coverage Group County Process for Medi-Cal Applicants
The purpose of this All County Welfare Directors Letter (AWCDL) is to provide County Department of Social Services (Counties) with guidance on the handling of the former foster care youth in the Mandatory Coverage Group and Optional Coverage Group.
Legal Rights of Teens in Out of Home Care (2014)
This booklet, based on California law, covers some of the concerns of a youth in out-of-home care, including types of placements, guardianship, independent living, role of the courts, visitation, confidentiality, pregnancy, money, religion, driving, emancipation and rights and responsibilities of youth in out-of-home care, group or foster homes
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (San Bernardino County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in San Bernardino County (do I quality, how to sign up, what is covered)
Children Now Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth In Imperial County
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in Imperial County (what is covered; how to sign up)
Fact Sheet: Medi-Cal Eligibility for Former Foster Youth Under the Affordable Care Act
Fact sheet on who is eligible for Medi-Cal eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA recognizes that young adults may have difficulty obtaining affordable, comprehensive health care coverage on their own. As a result, the ACA permits young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26. For youth […]
Legal Referral List – Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth: Health Advocates
Referral list of programs that provide legal assistance for people having trouble getting Medi-Cal or other health care services.
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (video)
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (video)
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (powerpoint)
Webinar (powerpoint) on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Children Now floyer re: Medi-cal for Former Foster Youth (Fresno County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Fresno County)
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Alameda County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Alameda County)
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Solano County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Solano County)
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Santa Clara County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Santa Clara County)
Children Now Flyer on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Los Angeles County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (how to sign up in Los Angeles County)
Children Now Fact Sheet on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Fact sheet on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
Children Now Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (California)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
CWDA Former Foster Care Children Desk Aid
Information of FFCC eligiblity requirements, including outreach form and aplication
Medi-Cal Application for Former Foster Youth
Application and Statement of Facts for an Individual who is Over 18 and Under 26 and Who was in Foster Care Placement on His or Her 18th Birthday
DHCS Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Informational Letter
Treatment of Former Foster Care Children’s Program
Transition Planning and Support for Tribal Youth – Powerpoint Presentation
This powerpoint presentation was presented during the training on Tribal Youth in Transition in collaboration with the Youth Law Center, the Yurok Tribe,the California Indian Legal Services, and the Alliance for Children’s Rights at the Yurok Tribal Community Center in Klamath California on November 20, 2013. The training covered AB 12, which extends support for […]
DHCS Responses to Advocates’ Questions
In a question and answer format, the California Department of Health Care Services Medi-Cal Eligibility Division answers advocates questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and Former Foster Youth.
California Affordable Care Act Amendment re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Section 14005.28 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. This section shall become operative January 1, 2014.
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Getting & Staying Eligible – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers planning issues caregivers need to consider before the youth’s 18th birthday including permanency options (guardianship, adoption, permanent planned living arrangements) and the impact of those options on extended supports under AB 12(extended foster care, Kin-GAP, AAP) and other benefits. Special issues relative caretakers face regarding placement orders and the impact of […]
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Placements – Options, Limitations & Regulations – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers the new foster family licensing regulations and placement options for youth 18 and older. It also covers the impact of SILPS (Supervised Independent Living Settings), Transitional Housing Programs, limitations on group home placements and other AB 12 placement provisions on youth and their kinship or foster family caregivers.
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Transitioning to Independence – Supports and Other Benefits – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers the supports and other benefits available to help foster youth working or participating in post-secondary education or training programs as they transition to independence. Post-secondary financial aid issues, Chafee grants, SSI and planning for youth with disabilities are also covered.
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: An Overview – A Power Point Presentation
This powerpoint provides an overview of AB 12 including eligibility, benefits, living settings, exit and reentry options as well as probation sanction-free jurisdictional alternatives for probation involved youth. It also includes information on how to overcome the common pitfalls and obstacles that probation-involved youth encounter in trying to access benefits under AB 12.
Supporting Young Adults: Cash, Medi-Cal, and Housing for Transition Aged Youth – Power point Presentation
Power point presentation on the benefits available to youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system.
Transitional Medi-Cal & Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) – YLC Fact Sheet
A foster care youth who is in foster care on his/her 18th birthday is entitled to zero share-of-cost (free to the youth) Medi-Cal when he/she leaves foster care until his/her 21st birthday. This fact sheet discusses Transitional Medi-Cal and Transitiona Housing Program Plus.
Policy Brief – Transition to Postsecondary Education and Training Programs
California Foster Youth Education Task Force’s policy brief on transition to postsecondary education and training programs describes laws that support increased access to information about post secondary options and possible courses of action to help former foster youth transition to postsecondary education and training.
Emancipating from Foster Care in the Bay Area: What Types of Programs Are Available for Youth Aging Out of the Foster Care System?
This BASSC Monograph examines the current needs of youth aging out of the foster care system and programs developed to assist youth with their transition to adulthood and independent living. It is based upon a review of the most up to date national and state empirical research to identify what the challenges youth aging out […]
Adolescents, the Foster Care System, and the Transition to Adulthood: What Legal Aid Lawyers Need to Know
Older adolescents leaving foster care still face tremendous obstacles as they make the transition to adulthood. However, the increasing focus on improving foster care and permanency planning for adolescents, providing them with independent living skills, and giving them the support that they need as they make the transition out of care is cause for optimism. […]