Fostering Connections
After 18
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth: It
Really Does Take a Village
Trainee’s Guide
Version 1.0 | 2012
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
1
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth: It Really Does Take a Village
TRAINEE CONTENT
Table of Contents
Segment
Page
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3
Agenda................................................................................................................................ 7
Learning Objectives ........................................................................................................... 8
After 18 Values ................................................................................................................... 9
Assessing Parental Readiness with Teen Parents ........................................................... 10
Factors to Consider for Placement ...................................................................................11
Shared Living Agreements – Suggestions for Discussion .............................................. 12
This curriculum was developed by Rhoda Smith, MSW of the Public Child Welfare
Training Academy (PCWTA), part of the Academy of Professional Excellence.
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
2
Introduction
The purpose of this training is to provide theoretical and practical information about
best practices approaches to working with older adolescents and young adults in the
context of the newly developed program of AB12 Extended Foster Care.
In 2011, approximately 4,500 youth aged out of foster care in California, transitioning
out of care at age 18, and in some cases age 19. Unfortunately, foster youth are often
ill-equipped to handle the realities of adult life at such a young age. Foster youth
who have aged out of the system without permanency are more likely to be
underemployed, experience poverty, have unplanned pregnancies, and experience
the adult criminal system.
The federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
made extensive policy and program changes to improve the well‐being and
outcomes for children in the foster care system, including changes related to the
extension of federal funding for foster care services for non‐minors from ages 18‐21 -if
they meet certain participation criteria. Participation by states is optional.
California chose to participate in the optional federal program and enacted Assembly
Bill 12 (“AB 12”) in 2010, taking a phased-in approach to extend care to ages 19 and 20,
and eventually 21 with additional legislation. AB 12 was authored by Assembly
Member Jim Beall, Jr. and Speaker‐Emeritus Karen Bass, and is also known as the
California Fostering Connections to Success Act. AB 12 was signed into law by former
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 30, 2010.
AB 12 was amended by Assembly Bill 212 in 2011, and further amended by AB 1712 in
2012 to continue the extension of care. AB 212 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown
on October 4, 2011 as an urgency measure (meaning its provisions took immediate
effect). AB 1712 was signed on September 30, 2012; its provisions take effect January
1, 2013 (aside from any provisions requiring federal approval).
Beginning January 1, 2012, foster youth became eligible to participate in extended
foster care.
Now called After 18, the extended foster care program in California is already making
a difference for young adults.
Extension of Foster Care until age 21
On June 27, 2012, Governor Brown signed SB1013 Budget Trailer bill, which closed a
gap for those youth who would have had to exit foster care at age 19, and re-enroll,
which some youth did experience for the first six months of 2012. The bill authorizes
aid to continue to any youth who turns 19 in 2012, or age 20 in 2013. In addition, the
trailer bill allows those youth who exited foster care in 2012 solely because they
turned 19 during this “gap” to re-enter foster care after July 1, 2012. With the help of
SB1013, foster care is extended to age 21 effective January 1, 2014.
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
3
Extended Foster Care Participation Requirements
In order to be eligible for extended foster care benefits and services, a youth must
have had an order for foster care placement on his/her 18th birthday and also had an
open dependency/delinquency case on or after January 1, 2012 and continued to be a
dependent or Ward of the Juvenile Court (commonly referred to as WIC 300
Dependent or WIC 602 Ward). Youth whose cases closed to guardianship and those
receiving Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) support prior to age 18 are not eligible
for the same services as the aforementioned youth; they may be eligible to receive
extension of Kin GAP, NRLG or AAP benefits paid directly to the guardian or adoptive
parent for the care of the young adult until age 21 (if they meet program and
eligibility requirements – see All County Letters 11-86 and 12-48 for further details).
Kin GAP and AAP youth are not eligible for case management services. NRLG nonminors are no longer dependents, but do have case management services.
Eligible youth who participate in extended foster care are referred to as Non-minor
Dependents (NMD) by the statute. Non-minor dependent youth must agree to reside
in an approved or licensed placement, remain under juvenile court supervision, meet
with the social worker or probation officer monthly, participate in a Transitional
Independent Living Plan (TILP), and participate in one or more of the following:
1. Completing high school (secondary education) or an equivalent program (i.e.
GED);
2. Enrolled in college, community college or a vocational education program;
3. Participating in a program or activity designed to remove barriers to
employment;
4. Employed at least 80 hours a month;
5. Unable to do one of the above requirements because of a medical condition.
Participation in extended foster care is voluntary for foster care youth. Some youth
may choose to exit at 18, or any point after 18. In addition, eligible youth who opted
out of extended foster care have the option to re‐enter foster care at a later date
prior to reaching age 21. (Guardian youth and those receiving AAP are not eligible to
re-enter foster care as they are no longer court dependents). A youth can re-enter by
signing a Voluntary Re-entry Agreement with the county child welfare agency or by
petitioning the juvenile court to have the court resume dependency or transition
jurisdiction.
Extended Foster Care Placement Options
Eligible youth in extended foster care must agree to reside in an approved or licensed
placement. The placements available to non-minor dependent youth include:
1. Home of a relative or NREFM (approved);
2. Foster family home (licensed) – including whole family foster homes and
regional center homes;
3. Foster Family Agency certified home (licensed);
4. Group home, (licensed) subject to new limitations;
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
4
5. THP‐Plus Foster Care (licensed);
6. Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP) (approved).
In general, a non-minor dependent youth may continue living in the same setting that
he or she was living in prior to turning 18 or the youth can live in another (approved
or licensed) placement. The goal is for the non-minor dependent youth to transition
to the least restrictive, most family-like setting in preparation for exiting foster care.
As was true before the youth turned 18, the setting where the youth lives must
continue to be either an approved or licensed foster care setting, depending on the
type of placement or facility.
The THP+ Foster Care and SILP options are new placement options. THP+FC is a
licensed program that provides transitional housing in a single site or scattered site
setting. Additionally, intensive case management and support are provided by the
THP+FC program. The SILP is a setting in which the non-minor dependent youth can
reside independently. This setting must be approved by the social worker and can
include a dorm, apartment or room for rent. Additionally, the non-minor dependent
youth must be assessed for their readiness for the SILP (i.e. assessed to be ready to
manage money, live independently, etc.). The SILP is the only placement that allows
the non-minor dependent youth to receive the foster care benefit directly. An
alternative payee may also be selected. In all other placements, the state approved
rate is paid to the caregiver for non-minor dependent youth in placement.
Implementation Partners
On January 26, 2011, the California Department of Social Services Department (CDSS)
sponsored an AB12 kick-off event for all stakeholders. Many attended the event
which provided an overview of the legislation and began a dialogue about the ways
in which the act would be implemented by CDSS and its co-sponsors (listed below).
CDSS has engaged its stakeholders in a collaborative process to develop the
deliverables for AB12. These stakeholders include the following co-sponsor agencies:
 Judicial Council of California
 California Alliance of Child and Family Services
 California Youth Connection (CYC)
 Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles
 County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA)
 John Burton Foundation
 Service Employees International Union
 The Alliance for Children’s Rights
 Youth Law Center
Together, CDSS, the co-sponsors, counties, regional training academies, CalSWEC,
and several foundations rolled up their sleeves and developed the following
deliverables in 2011, leading up to the 2012 implementation:
 All County Letters drafted by CDSS for review by stakeholders
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
5






Survey of youth by co-sponsors regarding policies related to extension of
foster care
Community Stakeholders Meetings throughout California
AB12 Communications plan County Implementation Plan and AB12
Organizational Readiness Tool Supervisor’s Guide to Implementation
Youth, caregivers, and California Tribes engaged in process
Rules of Court published
CCL licensing regulations regarding the adult needs of youth living in
supervised placements
Anticipated Benefits
Extending foster care and services for youth ages 18-21 provides an opportunity for
young adults to transition to adulthood in a supportive environment. We expect
young adults who participate to benefit in several key ways:
 Permanency is promoted for foster youth.
 Youth have a safety net of support while experiencing increasing
independence in a secure supervised living environment.
 Youth will be better prepared for successful transition into adulthood
Values and Principles in Action
Moving forward, the success of After 18 depends on all involved (youth, caregivers,
social workers, probation officers, service providers, and families) having a shared
understanding of the values and principles that guide our work with young adults:
 Value permanency
 Help youth transition to lifelong connections
 Create a collaborative youth-centered process
 Work proactively with youth to develop and reach independent living goals
 Allow youth to gain real life experiences with independence and allow them
to learn from their mistakes
 Be a safety net for the most vulnerable youth so they can achieve success
living as independent adults
 Ensure that all youth establish and maintain permanent lifelong connections
to caring and committed adults
Model for the Future
This far reaching legislation has been analyzed and synthesized to create a newly
emerging Extended Foster Care system. Partnering to create this system has been
innovative and a model of achievement for others to emulate. With vision and
leadership by CDSS, AB 12 co-sponsors, CWDA, and foundations, this program is sure
to be a true safety net for the most vulnerable in our society!
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
6
Agenda

Introductions / Learning Objectives

Video - A Crucial Connection

Prevalence / Statistics / Cultural Considerations

Relevant Research/Costs

AB12/Pregnant and Parenting Youth and Young Adults

Exercise / Communication and Assessment

Building Relationships with Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth

Foster Alumni Panel

Placement and Caregivers

Closure
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
7
Learning Objectives
Knowledge:
K1.
The trainee will be able to identify how foster care and pregnancy may affect
the process of independence and emancipation.
K2.
The trainee will recognize physiological, physical, and psychological changes
associated with pregnancy.
K3.
The trainee will be able to identify special housing/placement needs of
pregnant youth, parenting youth and infants.
K4.
The trainee will be able to identify practice behaviors that convey support for
dependent minor parents and non-minor dependent parents (including
parents who choose to leave care and parents who choose to stay in
extended care).
K5.
The trainee will be able to identify strategies for improving placement stability
for pregnant and parenting teens, including tools to assist caregivers to
address the caretaking, safety, permanency and independence issues for
parenting foster youth and their infants.
K6.
In light of the recent teen mother who killed her infant in a neighboring
county, there needs to be a mental health assessment learning objective –
maybe as part of the parental readiness assessment.
Skills:
S1.
The trainee will be able to identify independence related tasks and decisions
associated with becoming a parent and achieving parental competency as
stated in case plan for placement and/or for court if infant/toddler is a
dependent.
S2.
Trainee will be able to initiate discussions of well-being pertinent to
reproductive and sexual health and safety, and to provide local referrals to
appropriate service providers.
S3.
Trainees will be able to initiate discussions of well-being pertinent to
caregivers and assess the caregiver’s appropriateness and comfort level in
discussions with foster youth.
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
8
After 18 Values
Voice of Young Adults
The voices of young adults truly matter. It’s about listening to and really hearing
what’s important to them – and then helping them to act on that. Every aspect of
these young lives counts, including educational goals, meaningful work experiences,
and permanent, loving and dependable adult relationships.
Assistance and Partnering
Young adults often need active assistance – and real partnerships – to reinforce and
support learning as they transition into adulthood. This is an opportunity to support
young adults in taking charge of their lives and futures – working with them on
relationships, problem solving, personal responsibility and skill building to ensure
they will thrive. We may need to transform the ways in which we work, emphasizing
supports rather than supervision, to ensure that everyone is truly working together
to provide needed guidance and assistance through youth focused and youth
centered programs.
Love and Belonging
Everyone needs someone. We all need someone who loves us unconditionally and on
whom we can depend. Family and loved ones provide a foundation and help enable
young adults to realize their potential. Our job is to ensure that every young adult has
a family or caring and committed relationships with adults who can support and
guide him or her in life.
Unique Needs
Every young adult is unique. Some may require intensive levels of support and
assistance, while others may need more guidance and skill building to achieve their
goals. Providing individualized attention helps to ensure successful transitions.
Eligibility is Maintained
Young adults should have access to every available service. Our community is
committed to supporting programs and policies that cover all eligible young adults –
and helping them to secure all needed, allowed and available services and supports.
Development is Supported
Challenges, pitfalls and experimentation are part of the process of becoming an
adult. The ways in which we relate to these young adults must balance the need to
protect and guide them with their rights and responsibilities as legal adults. Young
adults need to explore their own abilities and be accountable for their mistakes. They
must be allowed to experience logical consequences knowing that if they stumble –
no matter the cause – they can find help, support and guidance from accepting
adults.
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
9
Assessing Parental Readiness with Teen Parents
The list below provides some questions to consider when working with pregnant and
parenting teens and young adults and attempting to assess their parental readiness.
It is not meant to be exhaustive in terms of questions to illuminate safety and/or risk.
This list does not imply that any (positive or negative) response is an indicator of
safety or harm.
1. Does the teen parent comprehend the responsibilities of caring for an infant?
2. What indicators do you have of the parent’s readiness?
3. Has there been a safety assessment?
4. Who has or will perform the safety assessment?
5. Is there an ongoing relationship with the other parent?
6. Is the custodial parent able to set guidelines for the non-custodial parent
regarding safety for the child?
7. Are there substance abuse, developmental, mental health and/or health issues
complicating the assessment picture?
8. How cooperative is the teen parent with caregivers, social workers and/or
other health professionals?
9. Has a trauma assessment been done for the teen parent?
10. Does the caregiver report that the teen parent is receptive to guidance?
a. If not, what behavioral indicators predict safety or risk to the infant
11. Does the teen parent acknowledge and address illness or potential for harm in
the infant or toddler?
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
10
Factors to Consider for Placement
The list below provides some things to consider when looking for a foster home for a
pregnant and/or parenting teen or young adult. It is not meant to be exhaustive in
terms of questions to illuminate the best placement option.
 Caregiver Philosophy on Teen Parents
 Number of other children in the placement home
 Ages of other children in the placement home
 Behavior of other children in the placement home
 Supervision plan and age appropriateness
 Least restrictive environment
 Family attitudes, values and acceptance of the teen parent status
 Relationship of teen parent with other minor/adult parent
 Communication – what are the household expectations about what must
be shared
 Safety / Exploitation / Domestic violence
 Protective Capacity and Risk for Caregiver and Placement
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
11
Shared Living Agreements – Suggestions for Discussion
The list below provides some things to consider when establishing a Shared Living
Agreement between a foster caregiver and a pregnant and/or parenting teen or
young adult. It is not meant to be exhaustive in terms of concepts to include, but it
should get the conversation started.











Approach this agreement with an open mind.
Remember that you are working with a young adult.
Noise guidelines might be difficult for some 18-year-olds. They don’t realize
their music or TV volume may be loud to others.
Time guidelines and curfews might be difficult for some 18-year-olds as this is
a time they can stretch their wings with protection.
Dishwashing can be a big problem in any living arrangement. Young people
easily lose track of whose turn it is. In many cases, it is best to clean up after
yourself. But again, discussion can help with this topic.
Personal discussions can take care of issues as they arise.
Communicating when you are going to be late coming home is important just
for the sake of courtesy and safety, not to control curfews. Everyone living
together should communicate to everyone else. This can be taken care of by a
note left in a central location, email or by text message. This could be a
discussion item.
Other potential discussion items include personal food items and storage
space, private space, personal property and storage space, smoking, parking,
expectations regarding meals together, holidays and other joint activities.
Every home will have unique items to add.
It is a good idea to have two levels of rules when there are young adults living
in a home.
o One level reflects your values, structure and moral authority. These may
include: no drugs and alcohol, no stealing, no lying, no foul language,
no hitting or other abuse. These rules never change and should be very
clear, especially if you have younger children in the home.
o The second level allows for the opportunity of more responsibility and
independence. Open up dialogue with your young adult for creation of
these items.
Update as needed. Both the young adult and caregiver should give thought
to these items individually, before it is filled out together.
Be sure to include these key concepts:
o Responsibilities, Privileges and Supervision/Support
o Daily Care of Infant/Toddler
o Visitation (if applicable)
o Chores
o Homework
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
12
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Dating
Hygiene
Transportation
Child Care and Education Planning
Allowances
Money Management
Curfew
Progress re: Independent Living issues regarding Emancipation and
Parenting
Services to Pregnant and Parenting Youth, v1.0, 2012
Trainee Content
13