For foster children, turning 18 is a bittersweet moment. It’s exciting to officially become an adult in the eyes of the law but leaving the support that foster care provides can be scary. Fortunately, foster care benefits after 18 in California are available when the right opportunities are pursued. All foster youth should know their rights under AB12 so they can get as much support as possible while transitioning from childhood to adult life. 

What is AB12 and Who Qualifies? | Foster Care Benefits after 18 in California

AB12 is also known as the California Fostering Connections to Success Act. This is a bill that has made it possible for young people to maintain foster care benefits after 18 in California. Specifically, benefits can be available to the age of 21, as long as the young person meets certain qualifications. Those include attending school or working at least part-time, or participating in a program to help with employment or education. With the help of AB12, countless foster youth will be able to continue to get help and will stand a better chance of making their way successfully in adult life. 

Housing and Financial Support Options

Finding housing is easily one of the biggest challenges that foster youth face when they age out of the system. Now that they can get foster care benefits after 18 in California, things look a little different. They may be able to enjoy an extended foster care placement or qualify for housing in the Transitional Housing Program Plus Foster Care system. This will provide the young person with a good place to live while they figure out what is next in life. Far too many former foster youth end up homeless and on the streets, making it virtually impossible to turn things around later. 

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.