Resources

This webinar featured a study from the Transition-Age Youth Research and Evaluation Hub (TAY-Hub), which conducted an analysis linking CalYOUTH and state administrative data to better understand how extended foster care and the types of placements young people receive shape their risk of homelessness.

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.

This report, commissioned by the Stuart Foundation, provides a comprehensive overview of educational outcomes for students in foster care, highlighting persistent disparities despite decades of reform. It identifies “bright spot” districts achieving better results and points to personalized, relationship-based case management, coaching, and mentoring as effective strategies for improving outcomes. The publication offers guidance for policymakers, districts, and practitioners seeking to advance equity and improve educational outcomes for foster youth.

This web seminar marked the release of a report highlighting how targeted state investments have reduced youth homelessness in California by 24% between 2019 and 2024. The webinar shared a statewide analysis of local homelessness actions plans, showing how communities are using the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program to address youth homelessness. HHAP has a “youth set-aside,” requiring that jurisdictions direct at least 10% of their HHAP allocation toward addressing youth homelessness. The webinar also featured two providers operating HHAP-funded programs serving youth.

This report highlights how targeted state investments reduced youth homelessness in California by 24% between 2019 and 2024. The report includes a statewide analysis of local homelessness actions plans and spotlights programs across the state working to address youth homelessness with funding from the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP).

CalFresh benefits have been delayed as of November 1, 2025, caused by the federal shutdown. When federal funding for benefits resumes, there will likely be a weeklong delay until CalFresh participants have access to the funds. Communities across the state are organizing to address food insecurity, and while these resources will not match the level of support available statewide through CalFresh, they may help bridge the gap in benefits. This matrix provides a collection of food and financial support resources to assist young adults who are impacted.

This toolkit, developed by John Burton Advocates for Youth in partnership with Rio Hondo College, features the college’s Hope Scholars program—an innovative model that provides holistic, on-campus support for students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Hope Scholars integrates financial assistance, housing resources, and case management services in collaboration with the college’s Basic Needs Center. The program has demonstrated measurable success in improving stability and educational outcomes for students facing housing challenges. The publication offers practical guidance for other California community colleges and universities seeking to develop or expand similar programs, drawing on lessons from Rio Hondo’s implementation and evaluation findings from the Center for Equitable Higher Education.

This web seminar marked the release of a report examining the first three years of the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). As of August 31, 2025, this refundable tax credit, available to current and former foster youth ages 18-25, has put $17.20 million directly into the hands of more than 16,000 young people—plus an estimated $18.66 million in additional credits unlocked from filing. The report provides a snapshot of statewide progress in year three, alongside data from the program’s first two years. It also analyzes persistent barriers to reaching the estimated 33,648 eligible youth and explores strategies to close the gap.

This report examines the first three years of the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). As of August 31, 2025, this refundable tax credit, available to current and former foster youth ages 18-25, has put $17.20 million directly into the hands of more than 16,000 young people—plus an estimated $18.66 million in additional credits unlocked from filing. The report provides a snapshot of statewide progress in year three, alongside data from the program’s first two years. It also analyzes persistent barriers to reaching the estimated 33,648 eligible youth and explores strategies to close the gap, including implementation of SB 624 (Caballero).

SB 624 (Caballero) aims to reduce poverty among current and former foster youth by increasing access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) through institutionalization of county-level outreach. SB 624 requires the California Department of Social Services to issue guidance to counties on best practices for encouraging nonminor dependents (NMDs) and former foster youth to file taxes and claim the FYTC, and requires county child welfare agencies and probation departments to mail information to NMDs annually about the FYTC and free tax filing resources.