supports program, Kin-Gap, and makes available federal funds to further support our youth who now are forced to exit foster care at age 18.

“My goal has always been to make a difference for kids in foster care -- AB 12 passing would be one of the most important, meaningful and cost-effective victories for foster kids,” said Speaker Emeritus Bass.  “No youth – especially those in foster care who have overcome high hurdles – should be put in the position of fending for themselves at age 18 without family or support. The bipartisan support for this historic legislation shows how important it is to support these young people – our young people.”

AB 12 will implement key policy reforms recommended by the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care.  “None of us would allow our own children to be without support – and certainly we should not allow this to be the case for our foster youth,” said Associate Justice Carlos Moreno of the California Supreme Court, who chaired the Commission.  “Extending support to our most vulnerable youth as they transition to adulthood will allow our juvenile courts to fulfill their statutory obligations to protect the best interests of these youth and assist them to achieve permanence and success as they become productive citizens.”

According to research regarding the impact of supports available in other states, additional supports for foster youth result in better outcomes for youth.  “Better support will give foster youth the opportunity to find a path to success -- stable housing, finishing education or training and employment,” said Chantel Johnson, representative of California Youth Connection, a nonprofit, foster youth advocacy organization, led by current and former foster youth.  “It will give youth a chance to realize their full potential.”

“AB 12 is one of the most important changes for foster children and youth in the last two decades,” said Linda Haugan, president of the County Welfare Directors Association – a co-sponsor of the bill – and director of the San Bernardino County Human Services Agency. “This is a critical opportunity to take advantage of new federal funding to give our foster youth a better chance to succeed in life. It’s not only the right thing to do for our children and youth, it also will result in measurable savings to multiple health and human services programs and the justice system.”

Research from programs in other states show that youth who receive supports after age 18 are 200% more likely to be working towards completion of a high school diploma, 65% less likely to have been arrested and over 54% less likely to have been incarcerated than those who exited foster care at age 18.