Home      Login

Abstract: 

In 2010, California passed the California Fostering Connections to Success Act, Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12), which extends the foster care age from 18 to 21 and provides transitional youth with continued resources in education, housing, employment, and criminal justice services (e.g., probation and case management). The high risk of foster youth for substance use problems (specifically opioids and alcohol) and criminal activity has often correlated with their experiences with sexual/physical abuse, neglect, and out-of-home placement. An evaluation of AB 12’s impact on justice-involved foster youth indicates that they are prematurely losing their legislative AB 12 benefits. Providing better support during transitional periods would improve reentry and progression into independence for justice-involved foster youth, and attention should be given to the services that foster care agencies provide before and throughout transition. Services should encompass primary care, mental health care, substance use treatment, housing, education, employment, and other financial support. Implementing a “support-first policy,” in conjunction with AB 12 youth services can provide structure, support, and resources to these transitional youth, ultimately reducing their risk for substance use disorder and criminal justice involvement. Nena Messina, Ph.D., is a principle investigator at the University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) and president and CEO of Envisioning Justice Solutions (EJS). Yaquelin Montes de Oca, B.A., is currently a research assistant at EJS and at the Peer Relationships Lab at Amherst College.

Keywords: California Fostering Connections to Success Act, California Assembly Bill 12, foster care youth, justice-involved youth, social services

Affiliations:  1: UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs; 2: Envisioning Justice Solutions.