Gaps in AB12 Come To Light

May 17, 2012 - Last week, we linked to an article in the Contra Costa Times which first brought to light a couple related aspects of AB12 implementation that could undercut the benefit for some youth: the phase-in of benefits over time created a gap in eligibility for AB12 eligible youth who turn 19 in 2012. This means that cash-strapped counties may not be able to afford the cost of keeping youth in for the months between their birthday and the turn of the year, undercutting the spirit of the law. As the article notes, here in Alameda County our Department of Children and Family Services has committed to making sure that no youth gets turned out at 19.  Thank our leaders  - Faith, Michelle and Lori - when you see them!

There's another gap in the placement options: AB12 says that youth over 18 can't stay in a group home past their high school graduation or 19th birthday, but the state still hasn't worked out the details of the THP-Plus Foster Care placement that was intended to be the best next step for youth coming out of group homes - and a recent move by the administration would make the program optional. This week, KGO Radio took on these issues, and press around the state began to pick up on the story: here's an article from the Santa Clarita Valley Sentinel. For more detail on this issue, check out this piece by Amy Lemley of the John Burton Foundation.