The transition out of foster care is a critical period for young adults. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by youth aging out of the system, California implemented Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12), landmark legislation designed to extend foster care support beyond the age of 18. Known as Extended Foster Care (EFC), this program provides crucial services and assistance to eligible young adults, allowing them to remain in foster care and receive support up to age 21.
Enacted on September 30, 2010, and effective from January 1, 2012, AB 12, along with subsequent amendments like AB 212, embodies the principles of the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. This federal law empowered states to extend Title IV-E funding to support youth in foster care up to the age of 21, and AB 12 was California’s response to this opportunity, aiming to significantly improve outcomes for young people transitioning from foster care.
The core of AB 12 is the creation of California’s Extended Foster Care (EFC) Program. This initiative enables young adults within both the child welfare and probation systems to continue receiving foster care benefits and services, offering a vital safety net as they navigate the complexities of early adulthood. Importantly, the program allows for flexibility; young adults can choose to leave EFC and later re-enter, provided they are still under 21 and meet the eligibility criteria.
To maintain eligibility for Extended Foster Care, young adults, referred to as Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs), must fulfill at least one of five participation conditions. These conditions are designed to support their progress towards self-sufficiency and may include:
- Enrolling in secondary education or its equivalent.
- Attending a vocational or post-secondary education program.
- Participating in employment for at least 80 hours per month.
- Actively seeking employment.
- Being incapable of engaging in the above activities due to a documented medical condition.
Beyond extending the age of foster care eligibility, AB 12 also expanded financial support through Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) and Adoption Assistance Payments (AAP). These provisions ensure that young adults who were in Kin-GAP or AAP arrangements prior to turning 18 can continue to receive financial assistance up to age 21, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. This extension of financial aid is crucial for maintaining stability and support networks for these young people.
For those seeking to learn more about Extended Foster Care or needing to find local support, the Extended Foster Care County Contact List serves as a valuable resource, connecting individuals with EFC Coordinators in their respective counties.
Key Policy Updates and Guidance on Extended Foster Care
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued numerous notifications to clarify and guide the implementation of Extended Foster Care. These notifications, primarily in the form of All County Letters (ACLs) and All County Information Notices (ACINs), provide detailed instructions and updates on various aspects of the EFC program. These documents are essential for social workers, probation officers, and other professionals working with youth in foster care.
All County Letters (ACLs) are formal directives that outline policy and procedural changes. Key ACLs related to Extended Foster Care include:
- ACL 11-69: This foundational letter provides initial guidance on the policies and procedures governing the Extended Foster Care Program, setting the stage for its implementation.
- ACL 11-85: Specifically addresses the inclusion of probation youth in the EFC Program, clarifying the mechanisms for wards of the court to access extended foster care services.
- ACL 11-15: Details the requirements for the updated Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) program under AB 12, offering extended financial support to eligible young adults in kinship care.
- ACL 12-05: Provides technical instructions on utilizing Special Project Codes within the CWS/CMS system for EFC cases and outlines the necessary new and revised forms for program implementation.
- ACL 12-13: Focuses on the assessment and approval processes for relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers and introduces revised and new SOC forms for Nonminor Dependent placements.
- ACL 14-33: Addresses Out-of-State placements for Nonminor Dependents, providing guidance on procedures for youth in extended foster care placed outside of California and links to a resource listing states offering extended foster care.
- ACL 17-93: Clarifies the use of Infant Supplement Payments for Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP+FC) programs to support parenting youth within EFC.
- ACL 18-15: Specifies the termination date for extended foster care payments, confirming that payments cease the day before the Non-Minor Dependent’s 21st birthday.
- ACL 18-101: Addresses eligibility for married youth and youth in non-active duty military service, ensuring that otherwise eligible married youth and reservists/National Guard members can participate in EFC.
- ACL 21-95: Expands the definition of Supervised Independent Living (SIL) settings to include “transitional living settings” and offers guidance on placement evaluations and payments to transitional housing providers.
All County Information Notices (ACINs) provide informational updates and resources. Relevant ACINs for Extended Foster Care include:
- ACIN I-78-11: Offers information on training activities related to the Extended Foster Care Program and describes the development of a statewide curriculum for EFC.
- ACIN I-07-19: Introduces a Judicial Council Information Sheet designed to assist juvenile courts in cases where former probation wards seek to re-enter foster care between the ages of 18 and 21.
County Fiscal Letters (CFLs) address financial aspects of foster care programs. For example:
- CFL 10/11-61: Informs counties of the Fiscal Year 2010-11 allocation for the federally funded Kin-GAP Program Administration.
These CDSS notifications collectively represent a comprehensive body of guidance for the implementation and ongoing administration of California’s Extended Foster Care program. They underscore the state’s commitment to supporting young adults transitioning from foster care and ensuring they have access to the resources needed to achieve successful adulthood.
In conclusion, the Extended Foster Care program in California, born from AB 12, is a vital initiative that significantly alters the landscape of support for young adults leaving foster care. By extending foster care to age 21, and providing ongoing services and financial assistance, EFC offers a crucial bridge to independence, improving the life trajectories of countless young people. Understanding the nuances of this program, including eligibility requirements and available resources, is essential for young adults, caregivers, and professionals alike who are navigating the journey beyond foster care.
