Resources

Three years after the passage of AB 789 (Berman)—which standardized SAP requirements and removed overly restrictive barriers—attention has shifted to practical implementation. Building on five years of research and JBAY’s prior AB 789 toolkit, the webinar will mark the release of a new AB 789 practitioner’s guide, drawing on insights gathered from financial aid practitioners across the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems. The webinar explored practical approaches to student communications, appeals, technology, and leveraging existing staff resources and external supports. Participants learned about concrete ideas and strategies to strengthen SAP practices on their own campuses, along with a sample SAP policy they can post on their website that meets readability standards.

This “how-to” webinar is to assist those working with California’s foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth to successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The webinar will review the FAFSA and CADAA, page by page, including detailed instructions on how eligible students 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 creating a WebGrants account and claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship. In addition, attendees received important updates on state and federal policies relevant to the financial aid process.

Following the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 789 in 2023, which established new requirements to remove overly restrictive Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) barriers, this guide shifts the focus from understanding the law to putting it into practice. Informed by financial aid practitioners across the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems, the guide highlights promising practices in student communications, appeals, technology, cross-campus collaboration, and leveraging existing institutional resources. It also features examples from campuses across the state, a sample student-friendly SAP policy, and a sample self-attestation form to support the appeals process. The guide offers practical strategies that institutions can prioritize and adapt to their local needs and capacity.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2764, authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 27, 2026. AB 2764 clarifies and standardizes Extended Foster Care eligibility statewide, ensuring that a young person’s access to housing and support does not depend on their county of jurisdiction or the discretion of individual decision-makers assigned to their case.

SB 1421, authored by Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Mike McGuire was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 27, 2026. The bill strengthens California’s child welfare accountability system by requiring the California Child and Family Service Review System (C-CFSR) to include data measures for nonminor dependents in Extended Foster Care. 

Assembly Bill 2251, authored by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2026. The bill improves student access to financial aid by strengthening transparency and consistency in how California colleges and universities establish Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets and process students’ COA adjustment requests.

AB 2765, authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley), was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 18, 2026. The bill builds on the work of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to minimize the loss of federal benefits for Californians by streamlining verification processes that help individuals maintain access to CalFresh food assistance.

AB 2162, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Culver City), was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 27, 2026. The bill prevents and reduces homelessness among former foster youth in California by making targeted improvements to the Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program, which funds housing navigation and services that help former foster youth with federal Housing Choice Vouchers identify and secure stable housing.

AB 2766, authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 14, 2026. The bill improves college access and success for current and former foster youth and students experiencing homelessness by increasing access to priority campus housing, improving the identification and transparency in campus housing processes, deferring or waiving initial housing fees until financial aid is disbursed and aligning eligibility for priority course registration with the NextUp program at California Community Colleges.

Developed in partnership with the Chief Probation Officers of California, this toolkit equips probation officers to help non-minor dependents (NMDs) secure stable housing—both during extended foster care and as they transition to adulthood. It breaks down available placement options alongside essential California housing supports, including housing vouchers, student housing, Medi-Cal-funded housing programs, affordable housing options, and strategies for navigating local homelessness response systems.