Extended Foster Care

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Transitions Children’s Services is a proud provider of extended foster care services. TCS participated in many of the State’s workgroups months in advance of the implementation of Assembly Bill 12. TCS has demonstrated to the State and to our Valley counties that we are an enthusiastic and competent partner. Our goal is prepare young adults for life after foster care while nurturing permanent adult connections and relationships.

Recognizing that 18 is too young for most youth to be without support, a bill was signed into law in 2010 giving eligible foster youth in California the option to remain in foster care and receive services and supports until age 21. The bill is called the California Fostering Connections to Success Act, and may also be known as Extended Foster Care.

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Starting January 1, 2012, youth are allowed to remain in care after age 18, enabling them to maintain a support system through their transition to adulthood. Participating youth can receive help with their education and employment goals, as well as have time to develop lasting relationships with caring adults.

Extended Foster Care is similar in concept to traditional foster care except that the participants are young adults ages 18 to 21 who voluntarily participate in the program. If you are interested in working with young adults, TCS is interested in working with you. Our dedicated staff will educate prospective foster families on the policies, procedures, regulations and expectations of Extended Foster Care as well as offer families as much support as is needed to successfully prepare a young adult to leave the foster care system.

If you are a young adult who turned 18 after January 1, 2012 while in the child welfare system and would like to return to foster care, please call your previous county case manager or TCS and we will direct you to the most appropriate County representative.