Definition of "Foster Youth"

1) A child who is the subject of a petition filed pursuant to Section 300 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, whether or not the child has been removed from the child’s home by the juvenile court pursuant to Section 319 or 361 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(2) A child who is the subject of a petition filed pursuant to Section 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, has been removed from the child’s home by the juvenile court pursuant to Section 727 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and is in foster care as defined by subdivision (d) of Section 727.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(3) A non-minor under the transition jurisdiction of the juvenile court, as described in Section 450 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, who satisfies all of the following criteria:

(A) The non-minor has attained 18 years of age while under an order of foster care placement by the juvenile court, and is not more than 19 years of age on or after January 1, 2012, not more than 20 years of age on or after January 1, 2013, and not more than 21 years of age, on or after January 1, 2014, and as described in Section 10103.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(B) The non-minor is in foster care under the placement and care responsibility of the county welfare department, county probation department, Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization that entered into an agreement pursuant to Section 10553.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(C) The non-minor is participating in a transitional independent living case plan pursuant to Section 475(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 675), as contained in the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351), as described in Section 11403 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(4) A dependent child of the court of an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization who is the subject of a petition filed in the tribal court pursuant to the tribal court’s jurisdiction in accordance with the tribe’s law.

(5) A child who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement, as defined in subdivision (p) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(c) “Pupils of limited English proficiency” means pupils who do not have the clearly developed English language skills of comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing necessary to receive instruction only in English at a level substantially equivalent to pupils of the same age or grade whose primary language is English. “English learner” shall have the same meaning as provided for in subdivision (a) of Section 306 and as “pupils of limited English proficiency.

Advocacy/Rights  

• California Foster Care Ombudsman  The California state agency mandated to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints on behalf of foster children in areas related to their care, placement or social services.  The office is empowered to investigate complaints about state and local agencies regarding foster care.  They listen to your concerns and work with you toward resolution.  
• California Coalition for Youth A community of individuals and professionals who share the vision that every youth in California has access to the services, support and programs they need to lead successful lives.  Through advocacy and public policy CCY works to protect and enhance the opportunities and quality of life for foster youth.  
• California Youth Connection (CYC)  A youth-led organization that develops leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.
• CASA of Stanislaus County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Stanislaus County work to ensure a safe, permanent and nurturing home for every foster child in their care.  CASA Volunteers are matched with children who have been placed in the foster care system, and advocate for the child's best interest in court, providing a positive, long-lasting impact.
• Foster Care-Youth Rights  No one can scare you, hurt you, or get you in trouble for telling authorities that your rights are not being followed.  View this quick-glance resource to review foster youth rights. (PDF)

Community Resources

• Aspiranet  When a child is too old to remain eligible to stay in the foster care system, Aspiranet’s Transitional Aged Youth program takes over. Because of the lack of consistency in many foster kids’ lives, they’re often lacking key skills that will allow them to thrive as an adult. Aspiranet’s TAY program helps former foster kids make the transition from care to independence.​ Services include Transitional Housing Placement and Independent Living Skills Programs.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway Connecting child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive resources to help protect children and strengthen families.  Electronic resources are offered on topics including child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption and promote safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth and families  
• Stanislaus County Community Services Agency  Sometimes the danger of abuse or neglect is so great that children must be removed from their homes. The foster care system provides a safe, hopefully temporary environment for these displaced young victims.​  The Stanislaus Community Services Agency oversees Stanislaus County children placed in foster care and are committed to their safety, stability and success.
• California Department of Social Services  Supporting thousands of children in California's foster care system requiring temporary out-of-home care because of parental neglect, abuse, or exploitation.​

Employment  

• Project YES   Providing case management for Stanislaus County youth, between 17-24 years, helping youth overcome barriers to achieving academic and personal success, find employment and achieve personal and professional success. 

The Numbers: Statistical Data   

• California Dashboard  The California School Dashboard provides parents and educators with meaningful information on school and district progress so they can participate in decisions to improve student learning.​
• KidsData  Find data about the health and well being of children in communities across California
• Child Welfare Information Gateway  Resources for State and national data on the number of children in the child welfare system, trends in foster care caseloads, and well-being outcomes. Learn about sources of data and statistics on children and families in the child welfare system and considerations for understanding the limitations and potential use of the available data.​

Higher Education  

• California College Pathways  Most foster youth want to go to college but need extra support and services to get there and succeed.  Find help in planning for college, financial aid, housing and campus support to keep you on track towards your educational goals.
• California Student Aid Commission  CSAC is a information hub for financial aid programs, including Cal Grant, Chaffee Grants, and access to WebGrants 4 Students 
• Modesto Junior College  Offers individual help and support through their Student Success and Support Program, including priority registration for students who have completed  an approved path for success.  
• SCOE College & Career Planning provides links to additional services and information.  Programs include the mentor program, 6CupsToCollege, as well as dates and deadlines for college applications and FAFSA.
• Foster Care to Success   The oldest and largest national nonprofit organization working solely with college bound foster youth.  FC2S helps navigate the tricky waters of academia, understand the importance of personal fiscal responsibility, determine achievable career goals, and create networks of friendship and support. 
• FAFSA  To learn more about accessing money for college, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• CHAFEE Grant  If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.​
• Scholarships.com  Whether you’re a high school student, college student, nontraditional or adult-learner, complete a free profile then get matched to scholarships and grants you're qualified for from colleges, universities, organizations, foundations, corporations, government & more.​

Transitioning to Adulthood    

• Foster Club:  Outlines 21 steps for youth in foster care to take as they prepare to transition out of care. The list includes items such as building a transition plan, securing a place to live, opening a bank account, getting healthcare coverage, and more.
• It's My Move: Transitioning to Independence  A program to improve successful outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood by providing them with a supporting and empowering environment and/or Transition Coaching to make their first decisions about adult life.

Foster Youth Success Initiative Programs & Liaisons  

Every California Community College campus has a foster youth liaison designated to assist foster youth as part of the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI). FYSI liaisons assist in accessing financial aid, scholarships, student services, and resources. In addition to these services, they also help foster youth students set goals to complete programs, transfer, and attain certificates and degrees.  Many California University campuses also have programs specifically to support current and former foster youth. These programs include peer advisors and personal counselors and can provide academic advising, housing assistance, tutoring, mentoring, financial assistance, special accommodations for students with disabilities, counseling, social activities, and many other resources.  To identify the FYSI Liaison at a Community College or University in California, please click on the links provided below.

• Community College Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Liaison List 
• Community College Disability Services FYSI Liaisons
• California State University FYSI Liaisons & Programs
• University of California FYSI Program Liaisons List

• Aspiranet  When a child is too old to remain eligible to stay in the foster care system, Aspiranet’s Transitional Aged Youth program takes over. Because of the lack of consistency in many foster kids’ lives, they’re often lacking key skills that will allow them to thrive as an adult. Aspiranet’s TAY program helps former foster kids make the transition from care to independence.​ Services include Transitional Housing Placement and Independent Living Skills Programs.
• California College Pathways There are a number of housing options available to both current and former foster youth that are affordable and in some cases provide additional support.  Explore the various options including Extended Foster Care, Transitional Housing, Independent Living Placement as well as colleges programs assisting foster youth to year-round housing options.

• Foster Care Transition Toolkit  A toolkit to help youth access the resources needed to successfully transition into adulthood, continue on to postsecondary education, and meaningful careers.
• Things People Never Told Me  A toolkit providing insight by transitioning foster youth about important life areas such as finances, employment, healthcare, transportation, and relationships.
• Interagency Education Resource Guide - interactive online Google Document which provides information and resources to Stanislaus County agencies to ensure the educational needs of foster youth are met and their rights protected.
• Glossary of Foster Youth Terms -Interactive online Google Document which identifies definitions for many common juvenile court, educational, and child welfare terms.  It defines common acronyms and includes links to information regarding some Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.

• Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents  A quick resource for foster parents and other caring adults supporting transitioning youth build a foundation for a successful transition to adult life outside of foster care. (PDF)

• Coming Soon!