Navigating the foster care system can be complex, especially when young adults are transitioning to independence. A key question for many is whether after care services offer a chance to re-engage if needed. In California, the answer is yes, through the Extended Foster Care (EFC) program. This initiative, born from Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) and further refined by AB 212, directly addresses this need by allowing eligible young adults to re-enter foster care up to age 21.
California’s EFC program is a response to the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. This federal law recognized the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care and allowed states to extend Title IV-E assistance to support them until age 21. AB 12 put this into action in California, establishing a system where young adults who were in foster care or probation systems could continue receiving support.
One of the most important aspects of EFC is its provision for re-entry. Young people can choose to leave extended foster care, but if circumstances change or they find they need additional support, they are allowed to re-enter the program before turning 21. This safety net is crucial, recognizing that the transition to adulthood is not always linear and young adults may need to access support at different times.
To remain eligible for Extended Foster Care, participants must meet at least one of five participation criteria, ensuring that they are actively working towards independence while receiving support. Furthermore, AB 12 also extended benefits beyond just foster care payments, including Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) and Adoption Assistance Payments (AAP) up to age 21 for those who qualify.
For those seeking more detailed information and local support, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides numerous resources. A valuable starting point is the Extended Foster Care County Contact List, which connects individuals with local EFC Coordinators.
To further understand the specifics of the Extended Foster Care program, the CDSS has issued a series of All County Letters (ACLs) that provide detailed guidance on various aspects of EFC implementation and policy. These ACLs cover a wide range of topics, including:
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Program Policies and Procedures: ACL11-69 Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18: Part One outlines the fundamental policies and procedures governing the EFC program.
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Probation Youth Access: ACL11-85 Part Three Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18: Part Three Probation specifically addresses how youth under probation can access the EFC program, clarifying the mechanisms for court wards to participate.
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Kin-GAP Program Requirements: ACL11-15 New Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program Requirements details the updated requirements for the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment program under AB 12, with Errata providing corrections and clarifications.
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System Implementation: ACL12-05 Implementation of EFC Special Project Codes in the CWS/CMS System provides instructions on using Special Project Codes within the CWS/CMS system for EFC, along with necessary form updates.
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Caregiver Assessment: ACL12-13 Relative and Nonrelative Extended Family Member Assessment/Approval; Revised and New SOC Forms for Nonminor Dependent Placement focuses on the assessment and approval processes for relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including revised SOC forms.
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Out-of-State Placements: ACL 14-33 Nonminor Dependents (NMDs) Placed Out of State provides guidance on out-of-state placements for young adults in extended foster care, and links to a resource listing Additional States providing Extended Foster Care.
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Infant Supplement for THP+FC Programs: ACL 17-93 Use of Infant Supplement Payment for Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP+FC) Programs explains how infant supplement payments can support parenting youth within Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care programs.
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Payment End Date: ACL 18-15 Last Date of Payment for Extended Foster Care clarifies that foster care payments for non-minors turning 21 cease the day before their 21st birthday.
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Eligibility for Married Youth and Military Service: ACL 18-101 Eligibility for Extended Foster Care for Married Youth and Youth Performing Non-Active Duty Military Service confirms that married youth and those in non-active duty military service remain eligible for extended foster care under specific conditions.
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Supervised Independent Living Settings: ACL 21-95 Updates to Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Settings, Placement Option Evaluations, and Transitional Housing Provider Payments details the expansion of Supervised Independent Living settings to include “transitional living settings” and provides guidance on placement evaluations and housing provider payments.
In addition to ACLs, All County Information Notices (ACINs) provide further context and information. For example:
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Training Activities: ACIN1-78-11 Training Activities for the Extension of Foster Care Program describes training initiatives related to the EFC program and the development of statewide curriculum.
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Judicial Council Information on Re-entry: ACIN I-07-19 Judicial Council Information Sheet About Re-Entry of Former Probation Youth to Transition Jurisdiction introduces a Judicial Council Information Sheet to assist juvenile courts in cases of former wards petitioning for re-entry to foster care between 18 and 21.
County Fiscal Letters (CFLs) also offer financial details, such as:
- Kin-GAP Program Funding: CFL10/11-61 Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11 Federally-Funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program Administration Allocation informs counties about funding allocations for the Kin-GAP program administration.
In conclusion, California’s Extended Foster Care program, through AB 12 and subsequent legislation, definitively serves as a reentry program. It provides a vital safety net, ensuring that young adults who have experienced foster care can access ongoing support and re-enter care if needed as they navigate the complexities of early adulthood. The comprehensive resources provided by the CDSS, including ACLs, ACINs, and local contact lists, are essential tools for understanding and utilizing this crucial program.
