Welcome to San Luis Obispo County’s webpage on
Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB12).
The purpose of this section of our website is to share information and resources about the implementation of AB 12, the California Fostering Connections to Success Act. The law went into effect January 1, 2012 and extends services and a youth’s financial foster care rate benefits for youth who are over 18 years old. The assistance under this law can last until youth turn 20 years old (an extra 2 years). Note: There is a possibility that it may be extended a third year (until 21 years old) if approved by the state at a later date.
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 12 on September 30, 2010. With this legislation California ends “an era of neglect and providing youth in foster care with the same common-sense assistance provided to children from in-tact families. Thousands of relative care providers will participate in the new, federally-funded subsidized guardianship program, providing much needed support that promotes stability among children.”
AB 12 requires emerging adult youth to remain dependents of the court (non Minor Dependents, or NMDs), meet monthly with their social worker (or probation officer), live in an approved setting, and satisfy a participation requirement (high school, college, vocational training or work) or have a medical diagnosis that will not allow them to participate. Click here for a summary.
Casey Life Skills Assessment
Please follow the link and instructions. If you qualify for AB12 click the “ACLSA - IV” (ages 16+) “Youth” radio-button, and the "Begin Assessment" button. The Casey Life Skills Assessment takes from 20-40 minutes to finish. It will give you and your social worker valuable information to help you be successful. The organization ID is SLO CO CWS. A report will be sent to the social worker's email address so have that ready. Also enter your own email address, so you get the report too.
http://www.caseylifeskills.org/pages/assess/assess_aclsa.htm
The California Department of Social Services is in the process of developing All County Letters, which will provide county child welfare agencies with the information for AB 12 implementation to begin January 1, 2012. Click here for an After 18 Fact Sheet. Our Program Managers and staff are eagerly working on these letters as they arrive with the goal of developing programs, protocols and procedures and informing staff, stakeholders, youth and caregivers. For more information please check the following state link: http://www.cafosteringconnections.org/
And the following other website resources:
Am I Eligible?- A handout for youth
What does AB12 Mean to You?- A powerpoint for youth in group settings
AB12 Information & Primer- A reference of terms, acronyms, eligibility etc.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about AB12.
For additional questions, please email Christopher Monza, Program Manager at cmonza@co.slo.ca.us.