Navigating adulthood is a significant journey, especially for young individuals transitioning from foster care. Adult life skills transitional care programs are crucial in providing the necessary support and structure to help these young adults achieve independence and build successful futures. This guide explores various transitional housing programs designed to equip current and former foster youth with essential adult life skills, ensuring a smoother transition into self-sufficiency.
Transitional Housing Placement Program for Minor Foster Children (THPP-M)
The Transitional Housing Placement Program for Minor Foster Children (THPP-M) is specifically designed as a foster care placement option for minors aged 16 to 18. The primary objective of THPP-M is to facilitate successful emancipation by offering a secure and supportive environment where young individuals can acquire vital adult life skills that foster self-sufficiency. Participants in THPP-M may reside independently, with official approval, or share living spaces in apartments or single-family homes. In these settings, a dedicated staff member from the housing provider lives on-site to offer supervision and guidance, fostering a supportive adult life skills transitional care program.
The supportive services offered under THPP-M are comprehensive and tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. These services include educational guidance to help youth pursue their academic goals, employment counseling to assist in securing and maintaining jobs, and targeted support to achieve emancipation milestones outlined in each participant’s Transitional Independent Living Plan. This plan, a crucial component of a youth’s overall case plan, specifically focuses on emancipation readiness, ensuring a structured approach to adult life skills development. Youth are strongly encouraged to actively engage in the Independent Living Program to further enhance their skills and preparedness for independent living.
It’s important to note that THPP-M is no longer eligible for Federal Title IV-E and state foster care funding under the Family First Prevention Services Act. Counties choosing to utilize THPP-M placements must now rely solely on county funds to cover program costs. The funding rates are determined independently by each county, moving away from the previous funding formula defined in Welfare and Institutions Code 1403(a)(1)(A).
Transitional Housing Placement Program for Non-Minor Dependents (THPP NMD)
The Transitional Housing Placement Program for Non-Minor Dependents (THPP NMD), previously known as THP+FC, was established through Assembly Bill (AB) 12. This program expands housing options for non-minor dependents within Extended Foster Care, offering a vital adult life skills transitional care program. THPP NMD provides transitional housing and a range of supportive services grounded in an individualized Transitional Independent Living Plan. The program’s legislative basis is rooted in Federal Public Law 110-351, the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, highlighting its federal recognition and support. Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and provider requirements can be found in All County Letter 12-44.
The core aim of THPP NMD is to empower non-minor dependents with the skills necessary for a successful transition to independent living. This encompasses support in pursuing educational objectives, securing stable employment, and developing essential adult life skills such as financial management, relationship building, and daily living competencies. The program acts as a robust adult life skills transitional care program, preparing youth for the complexities of independent adulthood.
HOUSING MODELS UNDER THPP NMD
THPP-NMD providers offer various housing models to suit different needs and preferences, all within the framework of an adult life skills transitional care program:
- Host Family: Non-minor dependents reside with carefully vetted and approved adult caregivers, offering a family-like setting and personalized support.
- Staffed Site: Participants live in apartments, condominiums, or single-family dwellings leased or rented by the THPP-NMD provider. Crucially, program staff reside on-site, providing immediate support and supervision as part of the adult life skills transitional care program.
- Remote Site: Non-minor dependents live independently in housing units leased or rented by the provider. They may also be co-lessees on the lease, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. While living independently, they still benefit from regular supervision and support from the provider, ensuring the continuation of the adult life skills transitional care program.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Entities interested in becoming THPP-NMD providers must first contact the county where they intend to operate to initiate the certification process. Certification for THPP-NMD is managed at the county level. Prospective providers are also required to obtain licensure from their regional Community Care Licensing Division. Upon securing licensure, providers become eligible to contract with counties to deliver the program to eligible non-minor dependents, extending the reach of this essential adult life skills transitional care program.
For those seeking to connect with their local Transitional Housing Coordinator, the Transition Age Youth (TAY) Policy Unit can be contacted at [email protected].
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus)
The Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing initiative tailored for young adults who have exited foster care on or after their 18th birthday, including those previously under Juvenile Probation supervision. THP-Plus provides both housing and comprehensive supportive services for up to 36 cumulative months, or until the participant reaches the age of 25, whichever comes first. The housing models and supportive services offered under THP-Plus are similar to those in THPP, but the program rules and approach are specifically adapted to be age-appropriate for young adults, forming a crucial adult life skills transitional care program.
The overarching goal of THP-Plus is to offer a secure living environment while actively assisting participants in developing the adult life skills necessary for independent living. This is achieved through the creation of a Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) in collaboration with each participant. The TILP is developed jointly by the young adult and their support network, clearly outlining the goals and objectives essential for a successful transition into adulthood, making it a personalized adult life skills transitional care program.
HOUSING MODELS UNDER THP-PLUS
THP-Plus providers can offer a variety of suitable residential options, ensuring flexibility and choice within the adult life skills transitional care program:
- Apartments
- Single-family dwellings
- Condominiums
- College dormitories
- Host family models
Important Note: It is crucial to note that publicly supervised or privately operated shelters, or other temporary living arrangements, including those with friends, family, or others offering temporary accommodation, are not considered acceptable housing options under THP-Plus. The program emphasizes stable and supportive housing as a foundation for adult life skills development.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
THP-Plus providers are exempt from standard licensure requirements, provided they have obtained a local fire clearance certification from the relevant county. Reference California Health and Safety Code, section 1505(l)(4) for specifics. General information regarding certification standards can be found in the California Department of Social Services Manual of Policies and Procedures, section 30-920.
To become a certified THP-Plus provider, interested parties should contact the county in which they wish to operate.
To locate the local Transitional Housing Coordinator for THP-Plus, please reach out to the Transition Age Youth (TAY) Policy Unit at [email protected].
CDSS Notifications Regarding Transitional Housing
All County Letters
All County Information Notice
This guide provides an overview of adult life skills transitional care programs available for foster youth in California. These programs are essential resources designed to support young individuals in their journey towards independence and self-sufficiency, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in adulthood.
