Upcoming Webinars Will Provide Instructions on Completing the FAFSA/CADAA as a Foster or Homeless Youth

The 2023/2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) will open on October 1, 2022 and several changes are expected. John Burton Advocates for Youth will be hosting two “how-to” webinars to assist those working with foster youth and homeless youth to successfully complete the FAFSA and CADAA. The webinars will review the FAFSA and CADAA, page by page, including detailed instructions on how eligible students with experience in foster care or who are experiencing homelessness can qualify as independent students for the purposes of maximizing financial aid. Presenters will also provide information on key steps to take after the FAFSA or CADAA is completed, such as responding to verification requests, creating a WebGrants account, and submitting a Chafee grant application.

To register for the homeless student webinar on Wednesday, October 19^th from 10:30 am –12:00 pm, click here, and to register for the webinar focused on foster youth on Wednesday, October 26^th from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, click here.

California Ranks 33^rd in Child Well-Being, 7^th in Health, 37^th in Education, and 45^th in Economic Well-Being 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the 2022 Kids Count Data Book ranking California 33^rd in child well-being. Each year, the Data Book tracks how children are faring nationally and in every state through 16 indicators in the areas of economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. 

This year California’s children are faring worse overall than in prior years. The indicators for education include 52% of children ages 3 and 4 not in school, 68% of fourth graders not reaching reading proficiency, 71% of eighth graders not proficient in math, and 16% of high schoolers not graduating on time. Nineteen percent of children live in families where no one holds a high school diploma. The indicators for economic well-being include 7% of teens not in school and not working, 17% of California’s children living in poverty with 7% living in high-poverty areas, 29% of parents lacking secure income, and 41% living in households with high cost burden. One in three children live in single-parent families. 

Californian children fare better than most of their peers in other states in health. Health indicators include 6.9% of babies are born with low birth weight, 3% of children do not have health insurance, and 30% of teens are noted as overweight or obese. The death rate of California children and teens is 23 per 100,000. Family and community indicators show 11 per 1,000 teens have given birth. Learn more about the research and work in California from Children Now here.

Health Policy Paper Advocates for Comprehensive Care and Bodily Autonomy for Foster Youth

The Center for the Study of Social Policy released a policy paper this month with recommendations to strengthen access to comprehensive care and ensure bodily autonomy for youth in foster care following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The paper details how the recent Supreme Court decision will further limit the bodily autonomy of youth in foster care, who already disproportionately lack coverage and access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. 

The Center provides recommendations to Congress, states, and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, including provide additional funding for Title X providers, prohibiting states from excluding abortion providers from Medicaid, ensuring youth are informed of their sexual and reproductive health rights and know where and how to access Title X clinics, and more. 

California law includes many of these recommendations. In July 2017, California adopted SB 89, requiring comprehensive sexual health education for youth in foster care and training requirements for foster caregivers, social workers, and judges. AB 153, effective January 2022, established an Expectant Parent Payment for foster youth to prepare for the birth of their child. AB 172, requires the California Department of Social Services to release an annual report of performance and outcome data starting July 2023.

Webinar to Highlight Options for Wraparound Services for Foster Youth

The Alliance for Children’s Rights will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, August 24^th from 10 am – 12 pm that will provide an overview of the wraparound services available to foster youth, how to access them, and what to do when youth, families, and advocates encounter barriers. Many of the recent policy changes impacting foster youth and juvenile justice youth are intended to reduce the number of young people who are institutionalized in facilities by providing more comprehensive supports. Practically, the success of these policies will rely on an expansion of easily accessible, widely available community-based therapeutic services. This webinar is designed to support implementation of recent reforms that include Continuum of Care Reform, AB 153 changes, and CalAIM updates. To register, click here.

Upcoming Webinars, Trainings, and Events

• Learn How Six Counties Boosted Transitional-Age Foster Youth Income Through Tax Filing

• Transitional Housing for Former Foster Youth: Expansion & Recent Policy Changes

• All Things TAY Housing, Workshop at CA Alliance Winter Conference

• Blueprint for Success Conference

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