Foster Youth Zone

The foster care bill of rights safeguards the rights and well-being of children in care. It ensures proper care, education, and support. Among many other rights, the bill guarantees respect, medical treatment, and a voice in placement and future decisions. Familiarizing yourself with these rights is crucial as a foster youth.

Educational Rights for foster youth are crucial for their academic success. These rights ensure that they have access to quality education, including transportation to school, stability in school placement, and support services like tutoring and counseling. By prioritizing their educational needs, we can empower foster youth to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

There are various grants and scholarships available for foster youth to pursue their education. These include the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program, the Cal Grant B for Foster Youth, and Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award. These programs aim to provide financial support and opportunities for foster youth to achieve their educational goals.

Foster youth can now access free phones to stay connected. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide essential communication tools to vulnerable youth. By offering free phones, we can empower foster youth to maintain important connections, access resources, and have a sense of security in today's digital world. Check out IFOSTER today.

For tax year, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) offers up to $1,117 per eligible individual. Individuals who were between the ages of 18 to 25 at the end of the tax year and were in foster care at age 13 or older, specifically placed through the California foster care system, may be eligible. This credit aims to support foster youth by providing financial assistance. Eligible individuals can claim this credit on their tax returns, helping them alleviate some of the financial burdens they may face. 

Foster youth in California are eligible for health care through the state's Medi-Cal program until the age of 26. This includes medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. The program aims to ensure that foster youth have access to essential healthcare services to support their well-being and development.

The ILP program assists foster youth in their transition to adulthood. It offers resources and services for developing essential life skills like financial management, education, employment, and housing stipends in addition to AB12. Incentives for attending include payments for opening a bank account, obtaining an ID or license, achieving good grades, and participating in ILP classes.

Transitioning to adulthood is a major change for foster youth. They encounter difficulties in securing housing, employment, and education. Support systems, like mentorship, financial aid, and mental health services, assist them during this transition. Housing vouchers are available beyond 21, extending support until the age of 26.

Foster Care Ombudsman is an independent advocate, their primary responsibility is to uphold the rights and well-being of these vulnerable individuals. They investigate any complaints that arise, providing a voice for those who may otherwise go unheard. Moreover, they offer unwavering support to both the children and the foster care system as a whole. By diligently working towards improving the foster care system, they strive to create an environment where every child receives the care and attention they rightfully deserve. 

A 24/7 toll-free hotline offers support to children and youth affected by trauma. Trained counselors provide conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. County Mobile Response and Stabilization Teams are also accessible. In-home services include de-escalation, stabilization, conflict resolution, and ongoing support beyond initial response.

The Youth Employment Opportunity Program on EDD is an initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for young individuals. It offers various services such as job search assistance, career counseling, and skills training to help youth secure meaningful employment. The program aims to address the challenges faced by young job seekers and support their transition into the workforce.

The Emergency Child Care Bridge Program aims to facilitate the immediate placement of children within the foster care system into a stable child care and development setting by helping relatives, parenting youth under the jurisdiction of the court, or foster/resource families obtain child care services upon placement.  It provides time-limited vouchers for child care and child care navigator services for families to assist with accessing child care.