Traditionally, foster care support is only offered to youth up to the age of 18. After they reach their 18th birthday, young people are considered to have “aged out” of the system and will be mostly on their own. While some programs are available to help young people leaving foster care, such as an independent living program, it isn’t always enough to help those in need. That has been changed by AB12 California, also called the California Fostering Connections to Success Act. 

A Quick Explanation

When you take a closer look at AB12 California, you see that it has been designed specifically to help young people who are taking an active role in improving their own situation. Therefore, the eligibility requirements outline specific steps that the youth must be taking to be a part of the AB12 California program. For example, the young person must be in high school, college, employed at least part-time, or going through a program to work toward employment. While within this program, the young person will remain under court jurisdiction, as they are during foster care, but will be given more autonomy to make decisions about their lives moving forward.

Many Different Options

Within this extended foster care system, there are plenty of different placement options available to make sure the assistance provided aligns with the needs of the young person in question. This might mean continuing to live with an existing foster family, in a group home, or in a transitional housing program. In addition to having continued access to housing, there will also be educational opportunities, employment training, and life skills development provided. The goal is to have each young person arrive at their 21st birthday equipped to head out completely on their own and thrive in adult life. 

If you are eligible for the transitional housing program and interested in learning more, apply now. If you want to become a mentor for the young adults in the THP program, contact Children First Foster Family Agency.

Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.