Former foster youth across California are starting to get much-needed pandemic financial assistance, thanks to the efforts of a statewide coalition of advocates, including John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY).
Late last year, JBAY met with members of Congress to make the case that foster youth needed financial support to address pandemic-related job loss, housing instability and hunger. A statewide survey of foster youth underscores this need: 1 in 5 foster youth reported an episode of homelessness since the start of the pandemic and 50% of youth reported being laid off or having hours severely cut since the start of the pandemic.
Congress agreed and in December 2020 allocated $300 million to provide pandemic financial relief to foster youth as part of a year-end federal appropriation. Of this total, California received $41.2 million to direct to current and former foster youth.
This funding is finally making its way to young people in California. Over 9,000 youth currently in foster care will receive $600 and youth formerly in foster care will receive $1,500.
JBAY Youth Advocate Emmerald Evans is one former foster youth who has applied to receive this much needed financial support. “Foster alumni don’t typically have the same resources or support system,” said Emmerald. “Receiving a direct payment, targeted to foster youth, will be one way to relieve some financial burdens and needs. These payments may be the one very thing that will allow youth to get back on their feet and realign their priorities.”
Over the summer, JBAY has conducted outreach and education to ensure this vital funding reaches young people like Emmerald. This includes developing and disseminating a publication to address commonly asked questions about the process in English and Spanish and conducting a social media campaign.
JBAY Education Director Debbie Raucher worked with advocates and state officials to bring this funding to California and is happy to see if finally reaching young people, “Foster youth are among those who have been hardest hit by the economic ramifications of the pandemic. These funds are vital to help these youth to find or maintain housing, put food on the table, and get back on track with educational and career goals.”