California offers a variety of resources to support foster children, foster parents, and youth transitioning out of foster care. Below are key programs, organizations, and contact points: --- ### **Hotlines and Immediate Support** 1. **California Foster Care Ombudsperson** - Provides assistance to foster youth and caregivers with issues regarding foster care services. - Phone: 1-877-846-1602 - Website: [www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov](https://www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov) 2. **Child Abuse Hotline** - Report suspected abuse or neglect involving foster children. - Phone: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) 3. **National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI)** - Advocates for foster care reform and connects foster youth to resources. - Website: [www.nfyi.org](https://www.nfyi.org) --- ### **For Foster Youth** 1. **California Youth Connection (CYC)** - Advocacy group empowering foster youth to shape policies that affect their lives. - Website: [www.calyouthconn.org](https://www.calyouthconn.org) 2. **Transitional Housing Placement Plus (THP-Plus)** - Housing support for youth aged 18-24 who have exited foster care. - Learn more: [www.thpplus.org](https://www.thpplus.org) 3. **Independent Living Program (ILP)** - Offers life skills training, education, and employment services for foster youth aged 16-21. - Contact your county's ILP coordinator: [ILP Directory](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/foster-care/independent-living-program) 4. **John Burton Advocates for Youth** - Provides scholarships, housing, and support for foster youth transitioning to adulthood. - Website: [www.jbaforyouth.org](https://www.jbaforyouth.org) --- ### **For Foster Parents** 1. **California Department of Social Services (CDSS) - Foster Care Program** - Offers information on becoming a foster parent, licensing, and financial assistance. - Website: [www.cdss.ca.gov/foster](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/foster) 2. **California State Foster Parent Association (CSFPA)** - Provides support and advocacy for foster families. - Website: [www.csfpaonline.org](https://www.csfpaonline.org) 3. **Foster Parent Training and Resources** - Free training through Foster Parent College: [www.fosterparentcollege.com](https://www.fosterparentcollege.com) 4. **Kinship Support Services** - Assistance for relatives caring for children in foster care. - Learn more: [Kinship Care](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/kinship-care) --- ### **Financial Assistance** 1. **Foster Care Payments** - Monthly payments to foster parents for the care of foster children. - Learn more: [Foster Care Rates](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/childrens-programs/foster-care/foster-care-rates) 2. **Chafee Foster Youth Program** - Provides up to $5,000 annually for education and training. - Application: [Chafee Grant](https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/chafee-grant) 3. **AB 12 Extended Foster Care** - Allows foster youth to remain in care until age 21, receiving additional support. - Website: [Extended Foster Care](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/foster-care/extended-foster-care) --- ### **Legal and Advocacy Support** 1. **Alliance for Children’s Rights** - Legal support for foster youth and families, including adoption and education advocacy. - Phone: 1-213-368-6010 - Website: [www.kids-alliance.org](https://www.kids-alliance.org) 2. **Children’s Law Center of California** - Provides legal representation for children in foster care. - Website: [www.clccal.org](https://www.clccal.org) 3. **Youth Law Center (YLC)** - Advocates for better policies and practices in foster care. - Website: [www.ylc.org](https://www.ylc.org) --- ### **Education Support** 1. **California College Pathways** - Provides guidance and resources for foster youth pursuing higher education. - Website: [www.cacollegepathways.org](https://www.cacollegepathways.org) 2. **Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP)** - Helps foster youth with school stability, enrollment, and academic success. - Contact your local school district for details: [FYSCP Info](https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/fy/) 3. **Every Kid Counts College Savings Program** - Savings accounts for foster youth for educational expenses. - Website: [www.everykidcounts.org](https://www.everykidcounts.org) --- ### **Mental Health and Emotional Support** 1. **National Runaway Safeline** - Offers support for foster youth in crisis or at risk of running away. - Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) - Website: [www.1800runaway.org](https://www.1800runaway.org) 2. **FosterClub** - Online community offering peer support and resources for foster youth. - Website: [www.fosterclub.com](https://www.fosterclub.com) 3. **California Mental Health Services for Foster Youth** - Access therapy and mental health support through Medi-Cal. - Website: [Medi-Cal Behavioral Health](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/Medi-CalBehavioralHealthServices.aspx) --- If you need help connecting with these organizations or have specific concerns, let me know!