DPSS ePolicy

Revision of existing policy and/or form(s)

What changed?

1. Former Foster Youth (FFY) have the option of applying for General Relief (GR) or pursuing Assembly Bill (AB) 12 - Extended Foster Care (EFC) benefits.
2. Release of the ABP 4023-T, Receipt of Extended Foster Care Benefits.

Note: Changes are shown highlighted in gray throughout the document.

Previously, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) made it a condition of GR eligibility for FFY applicants/participants to pursue EFC benefits. The youth now have the choice to apply for GR benefits or pursue EFC benefits. If the participant chooses to pursue EFC benefits, GR benefits can be approved up to the month of receipt of AB 12.

The PA 6128, AB 12-Extended Foster Care benefits brochure, must be given to GR applicants/participants, between the ages of 18–21 years old, who have self-declared to be a FFY. The brochure will be given one time to the FFY either at the Intake interview, district office visit, or face-to-face meeting.

On September 30, 2010, the California Fostering Connections to Success Act – AB 12-Extended Foster Care benefits was signed allowing eligible 18-year olds in foster care placement to remain in foster care up to age 21.

Through AB 12, the FFY can also receive EFC even if they previously only received benefits from the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) or Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP).

Adoption Assistance Program (AAP)

AAP is a Federal subsidy to encourage the adoption of special needs children and remove the financial limitations for families to adopt.

Former Foster Youth (FFY)

A person under 18 years of age (up to 21 years of age under specific circumstances) who was provided 24-hour care and supervision by someone other than a parent/legal guardian in a location other than their own home.

Independent Living Program (ILP)

A program in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) designed to help youth who are 16 years old, but not yet 21 transition successfully to a life after foster care. Youth are helped in the areas of life skills training, education, employment, and housing.

Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP)

Kin-GAP is a cash aid program that supports eligible relative caregivers in California who are unable or unwilling to adopt but instead become legal guardians to children exiting the Juvenile Court dependency system on or after January 1, 2000.

Non-Minor Dependent (NMD)

A young adult who remains under the jurisdiction of the court, in EFC after age 18.

Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP)

A placement option in which NMDs can live in a variety of independent settings such as an apartment (alone or with a roommate), a college dorm or a room rented from a relative, landlord, friend, or former caregiver.

Note: A SILP cannot be with the NMD’s biological parent(s) as the AB 12 payment cannot be made to the home of removal.

The FFY must meet the requirements to qualify for EFC benefits:

1. Enrolled in a high school or General Education Development program;
2. Enrolled in a college or vocational program;
3. Employed at least 80 hours per month;
4. Unable to work or attend school because of a medical condition;
5. Living in a DCFS approved licensed placement and sign a mutual agreement with their DCFS caseworker; or
6. Be a foster youth with an order for foster care placement on their 18th birthday.
    

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