The Fostering Connections to Success Act is a new California law which provides financial and transitional assistance to foster youth who are approaching the age of self-sufficiency. Youth aging out of foster care face difficult obstacles as they often lack income, resources, and family support. The Act provides financial aid to foster youth who are at least 18-years-old in the hopes of reducing unemployment, homelessness, teen pregnancy, and the need for public assistance among youth aging out of the foster care system. The program is completely voluntary. The youth can change their mind even after enrolling in the program and can reenter the program after leaving as long as eligibility requirements are met.
A foster youth is eligible to receive benefits under the Fostering Connections to Success Act if the youth meets any of the following:
The foster youth is currently enrolled in high school or an equivalent program.
The foster youth is enrolled at least part-time in college or a vocational program.
The foster youth is employed at least 80 hours per month.
The foster youth is participating in a program designed to promote employment or remove barriers from employment.
A foster youth can remain eligible for benefits under the Fostering Connections to Success Act if the youth lives in any one of the following:
The home of a relative or non-related extended family member or guardian.
Licensed or approved foster home or Transitional Housing Placement Program.
Supervised Independent Living Program such as an apartment or a dorm at a college.
Licensed and approved Group Home.
For more information, talk to your social worker, your attorney, or any attorney at Children's Advocacy Group at (909)890-9977. You can also read more about the program at http://cafosteringconnections.org/.