Understanding AB 12: California eases the transition to adulthood for emancipating foster youth
The passage of AB 12 in September 2010 represents an important step forward for the California foster care system. AB 12 extends foster care benefits for eligible youth aging out of the foster care system in California. Instead of leaving youth without support after their 18th birthday, AB 12 provides transitional youth with access to resources and mentorship until they turn 21.
AB 12 will dramatically change the delivery of foster care services in California. Since September 2010, Aspiranet has collaborated closely with the John Burton Foundation and other coalition partners to manage the implementation of AB 12. Although the bill will not go into effect until January 2012, we receive many calls, emails and letters requesting clarification on the implications of AB 12 for foster parents, foster youth and our partner programs.
We have created an AB 12 awareness section on our website to provide easy-to-understand updates and information on the AB 12 implementation progress. Please check back periodically to stay informed. If you have any additional questions, contact us online or give us a call at 877.380.HERO.
Why is AB 12 important?
Each year in California at least 4,000 young adults leave their foster homes and need housing. More than half of them do not have a place to go and have no support system or family network available to help them find affordable housing and supportive services. Within 18 months of emancipation, one-fourth of these youth have been incarcerated, one-fifth have experienced homelessness, and only 2 percent will ever graduate from college. AB 12 will improve outcomes for emancipated foster youth.
Why should California tax dollars go to AB 12?
There is a $4.22 return to Californians for every $1 spent supporting foster youth past age 18. Less than the cost of adult incarceration, AB 12 is a smart investment for California.
What does AB 12 do?
AB 12 extends foster care benefits for youth who “age out” of foster care or juvenile probation systems. Youth who exit from other systems such as Kin-GAP, Adoption Assistance or non-dependent, non-related legal guardian youth are also eligible for AB 12 services.
How will youth enroll in AB 12 services?
Participation in AB 12 is completely voluntary for youth 18+. Social workers will discuss AB 12 with youth prior to their 18th birthday. Youth can leave the program at any time before they turn 21. Through Trial Independence, youth can also return to the program until they turn 21.
When does AB 12 go into effect?
AB 12 will go into effect January 2012. The release of regulations is slated for release in July 2011. We’ll keep you informed of any other rollout times as they are determined.
How does one become a foster parent to transitional youth?
The exact guidelines for foster parents to transitional youth are still being developed. If you’d like to prepare to welcome transitional youth into your home, you should pursue foster parent certification. Please visit the Aspiranet Heroes foster care site learn more about certification at Aspiranet or give us a call at 877.380.HERO.
What will youth need to do to qualify for AB 12 services?
All youth will continue under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court as a dependent or ward in the same way they were when they were minors in foster care. They will need to sign a mutual agreement with the county child welfare or probation agency or tribe that has a IV-E agreement with the state for supervision and support. They should meet one of five participation conditions and agree to live in a supervised placement that is licensed or approved under new standards for 18 to 21 years.
What are the five participation conditions of AB 12?
To be eligible for AB 12 services, youth must demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential
- Enrolled in an institution that provides post-secondary or vocational education
- Participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment
- Employed for at least 80 hours per month
- Unable to fulfill one of the above requirements due to a medical condition
Where can youth participating in AB 12 live?
AB 12 seeks to acknowledge and support youth’s status as adults. They will be provided with multiple housing options that fit within their needs. Youth can live in the approved home of a relative or NREFEM, a foster family home, a foster family agency certified home. They can also live in the home of a non-related legal guardian, group home, THP-Plus foster care or a supervised independent living setting.
The John Burton Foundation is leading the implementation of AB 12 through California Fostering Connections. Check out their website for additional AB 12 updates.
Share this PDF poster of the ABCs of AB 12 to inform Californians of the benefits of AB 12.
The Silicon Valley Education Foundation wrote an interesting article titled “New Foster Care Regulations Getting Closer“ that discusses the implementation of AM 12 from a public education perspective.
