Navigating the transition out of foster care can be incredibly challenging for young adults. Recognizing these difficulties, programs like Extended Foster Care (EFC) have emerged as vital support systems. A key question for many is whether these after-care programs also serve as a safety net, offering a route back for those who initially leave but find themselves needing further assistance. This article delves into the concept of Extended Foster Care, specifically addressing whether it functions as a reentry program and how it supports young adults in California.
Extended Foster Care: A Bridge to Adulthood
California’s Extended Foster Care (EFC) program, established through Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) in 2010 and further refined by AB 212, is designed to improve outcomes for youth who have experienced foster care. This legislation aligns with the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, which allows states to extend Title IV-E assistance to eligible youth in foster care up to the age of 21. Before AB 12, foster care typically ended at age 18 in California, leaving many young people without crucial support as they transitioned into adulthood.
Extended Foster Care County Contact List
AB 12 fundamentally changed this by creating the Extended Foster Care Program in California. This program permits eligible youth in both child welfare and probation systems to remain in foster care and receive support until they reach age 21. This extension acknowledges that the transition to independence is a gradual process and that young adults, particularly those from foster care backgrounds, often benefit from continued support with housing, financial assistance, and case management.
Reentry: A Second Chance for Support
Crucially, Extended Foster Care in California isn’t just about remaining in care until 21; it also incorporates the possibility of reentry. Youth who initially leave extended foster care have the option to re-enter the program before turning 21 if their circumstances change and they require renewed support. This reentry provision is a significant aspect of EFC, effectively making it function as an after-care reentry program.
To remain eligible for or re-enter EFC, young adults must meet at least one of five participation criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that youth are actively working towards self-sufficiency and benefiting from the program’s support. Furthermore, AB 12 extended Kin Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) and Adoption Assistance Payments (AAP) up to age 21 for eligible youth, providing additional avenues of support.
Navigating the Details: CDSS Notifications and Guidance
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), provide detailed instructions on various aspects of the program, including eligibility, procedures, and specific scenarios.
For instance, ACL 11-69, “Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18: Part One,” lays out the foundational policies and procedures of the EFC Program. ACL 11-85, “Part Three Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18: Part Three Probation,” specifically addresses access to EFC for youth in the probation system, clarifying how wards of the court can participate.
ACL11-69 Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18: Part One
Other ACLs delve into specific areas such as:
- Kin-GAP Program Requirements (ACL 11-15): Outlines the requirements for the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment program under AB 12.
- EFC Special Project Codes in CWS/CMS (ACL 12-05): Provides technical guidance on using special project codes within the Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) for EFC.
- Relative and Nonrelative Extended Family Member Assessment/Approval (ACL 12-13): Details the assessment process for relative and nonrelative extended family member caregivers.
- Out-of-State Placements for Nonminor Dependents (ACL 14-33): Addresses procedures for placing youth in extended foster care out of state.
- Infant Supplement Payment for Transitional Housing (ACL 17-93): Explains how infant supplement payments can support parenting youth in Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP+FC) programs.
- Last Date of Payment for Extended Foster Care (ACL 18-15): Clarifies payment cessation rules when a non-minor turns 21.
- Eligibility for Married Youth and Youth in Military Service (ACL 18-101): Confirms eligibility for married youth and those in non-active duty military service.
- Updates to Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Settings (ACL 21-95): Expands the definition of Supervised Independent Living settings to include “transitional living settings.”
In addition to ACLs, All County Information Notices (ACINs) and County Fiscal Letters (CFLs) provide further context and guidance on training, judicial considerations, and fiscal allocations related to EFC. For example, ACIN I-07-19 introduces a Judicial Council Information Sheet to assist juvenile courts in cases of former probation youth seeking reentry.
Conclusion: EFC as a Reentry Safety Net
In conclusion, Extended Foster Care in California is not only an after-care program but inherently functions as a reentry program. It provides a crucial safety net for young adults transitioning from foster care, offering the possibility to re-engage with support systems if needed before the age of 21. This reentry provision acknowledges the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of early adulthood and ensures that young people have a second chance to access vital services as they navigate their path to independence. For those seeking more detailed information or local support, the Extended Foster Care County Contact List is a valuable resource.
