Extending Support for Foster Youth Beyond 18

Update October 1, 2010 PASSED! 

I love this bill let's hope Governor Schwarzenegger signs it in to Law...

This act of legislation has already prompted the introduction of similar laws in 9 other states.  What are we weighting for here in Michigan? Our Foster Kids deserve a fighting chance for success!

“AB 12 was passed in the California State Legislature on August 31, 2010. It now goes to Governor Schwarzenegger, who has until the end of September to sign or veto the bill. Please urge Governor Schwarzenegger to sign AB 12”

“I write to ask that you join me in supporting California Assembly Bill 12, a major child-welfare reform bill currently under consideration in the California State Assembly. Among its many provisions, AB 12 will better support youth in their transition from foster care by allowing them to access services until age 21. It will also save the state of California millions of dollars by opting the state into a federal program to offer the same support to relative caregivers given to non-relatives when they become the legal guardians of youth in foster care.

Both of these major reforms will ensure that we do all we can to support foster youth as they develop into independent, healthy adults. Learn more about the legislation, and about what you can do to help, at www.cafosteringconnections.org.”

"As of April 1, nine states have introduced legislation taking advantage of the options created by HR 6893. The American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, Bar Youth Empowerment Project created has summarized the key features of the legislation in each of the nine states.

Extending Support for Foster Youth Beyond Age 18:

State Bills Introduced in the Wake of the Fostering Connections Act

Prepared by Kate Egbert under the supervision of Professor Miriam Aroni Krinsky"

California Fostering Connections John Burton Foundation