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Family with arms raised, holding hands in front of ocean at sunset

ASIST Program Supports Foster Care Youth

Author: Social Services
Date: 11/14/2019 7:49:48 AM

ASIST Program funding supports youth transitioning from residential placements to home-based foster care.


ASIST Program Supports Foster Care Youth

As a component of California’s Continuum of Care Reform (CCR), the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services (DSS) has applied to participate in the Active Supportive Intervention Services for Transition (ASIST) Program.  For the next year, CDSS will be supporting SLO with funding for services to assist youth in transitioning from residential placements (such as group homes) to home based foster care (HBFC) with family-based settings.

All children and youth served through the ASIST program will receive intensive supportive transition services that include a short-term transition plan with clear and actionable steps. Using a wraparound approach (i.e., services are “wrapped around” the youth in home-based foster care), the ASIST program provides resources to expand family finding, engagement, specialized permanency services, youth and caregiver coaching specific to a child’s identified needs, and in-home support services to deliver intensive permanency-focused transition support.

The County has identified five initial youth to receive these intensive transition services to facilitate success.  Each youth will have an individualized plan developed specific to their needs.  After caregivers are identified, coordinated visits will occur in advance of the youth’s transition to home-based foster care.  Caregivers will receive education, training, resources and skill development to address the youth’s unique needs, including any medical needs or behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse concerns.  The County will contract with a therapist skilled in trauma informed care and residential treatment to provide consultation and support to the caregivers throughout the transition process.