Resources

This webinar provided a virtual policy update for California stakeholders on the federal Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher program, joined by a representative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Despite sweeping federal cuts, funding remains for FYI vouchers, which provide 3-5 years of subsidized rent coupled with supportive services to former foster youth. The webinar reviewed the status of FYI at the federal level, the role of the program in California, and April 2025 HUD guidance which introduced reforms to improve access and flexibility.

This roster helps youth-serving stakeholders get involved in local Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) planning. The roster includes contact information for the individual in each county responsible for coordinating the development of the three-year Integrated Plan, which must include community input.

This guide walks young adults through important steps after filing their taxes, including checking their refund status, setting up payment plans if needed, troubleshooting issues such as identity theft, or someone incorrectly claiming them on their tax return.

Between 2021 and 2024, California’s capacity to serve former foster youth through supportive transitional housing and federal housing vouchers has increased by 70%, reaching more than 3,700 youth at a moment in time. This report discusses this increase in capacity, related findings and recommendations.

Between 2021 and 2024, California’s capacity to provide former foster youth with transitional housing and housing vouchers increased by 70%, reaching more than 3,700 youth at a point in time as of 2024. This report analyzes this expansion, making findings and offering recommendations for counties and the state.

This webinar provided county child welfare agencies and their community partners with information and resources to assist non-minor dependents and former foster youth with filing their taxes and claiming the California Foster Youth Tax Credit, worth up to $1,154 in 2025.

This virtual training provided college campus personnel with information to assist students with experience in foster care with filing their taxes and claiming the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). Presenters provided background of the FYTC, and an overview of outreach materials, strategies to educate students about tax filing and how to prepare, and resources to file for free with support.

These toolkits are designed to support high school counselors working with students with experience in foster care or homelessness in completing their FAFSA/CADAA applications. The toolkits provide a step-by-step checklist, resources, and key definitions to support counselors in connecting students to critical financial aid. [Updated November 2024.]

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.