California foster youth policy recommendations 2016

Across the state, foster parent recruitment has been a hot topic. As California pursues an ambitious slate of congregate-care reforms, many counties are looking for ways to increase the number and quality of foster homes.

In 2010, California passed Assembly Bill 12 (Fostering Connections to Success Act), which extended foster-care benefits from age 18 to 21. California was one of the first states in the country to pass legislation that made it possible for transition-age youth to receive federal funds as long as they met work or school requirements.

Earlier this month, the California Youth Connection (CYC) gathered members from its 33 statewide chapters at a conference in Los Angeles to develop a policy platform for the year ahead. An advocacy organization made up of current and former foster youth ages 14 to 24, CYC identifies four policy areas every year as part of its annual summer leadership and policy conference.