CDSS applied for and was chosen as one of six states to participate in a National Governor’s Association (NGA) Policy Academy for Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care. The Academy provided an opportunity to systematically address key challenges and improve transition outcomes. This process resulted in a new vision for California’s Independent Living Program, set forth in this notice, as well as the application to be part of the “Breakthrough Series Collaborative.” About 20 counties/tribes will be selected. [Download]

Effective July 1, 2008, CWD’s are to use the attached Exit Outcomes for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Quarterly Statistical Report (SOC 405E).  Form and instructions are attached. [Download]

This notice transmits two new dates: the due date for the Notice of Intent Regarding the Child Abuse Prevention Plan (Attachment B) changed from June 30, 2008 to July 14, 2008, and the due date for submission of the Plan (which was omitted in the original ACIN) is October 1, 2008.

Latest rules and forms for transitional living plans for teens 15 ½ and 16. The TILP describes the youth’s current level of functioning, identify emancipation goals, services, activities and individuals assisting the youth in the process of obtaining self-sufficiency. The new form is effective immediately. The plan is to be a collaborative effort if the youth, the county social worker/probation officer, the caregiver and/or other dedicated adult(s) in the youth’s life. It must document 1) Goals identified by the youth 2) Any supportive activities necessary to ensure that the youth reaches his/her goals 3) Who is responsible to perform the supportive activities 4) A target completion date for achieving the goals 5) Progress toward reaching the goals (and check boxes to mark off completion). [Download]

This letter describes the changes resulting from SB 720, to encourage the joint placement of infants and their teen parents when both are in foster care. The main changes are the expanded definition of a “whole foster family home” (WFFH). The new definition includes the home of 1) a nonrelated legal guardian when the guardianship is established by the dependency court, not the probate court; 2) ward of a nonrelated legal guardian whose guardianship is established by the dependency court, not the probate court; 3) related guardian’s home under the KinGAP Program for relatives who were previously designated as WFFHs while the child was in foster care. It also clarifies the rate paid to previously designated WFFH KinGAP relatives and the board and care rates. Includes a reminder to counties that when court ordered reunification services are terminated and the minor dependent’s child is no longer under the placement and care of the county welfare and/or probation department, the child is no longer eligible for a Title IV-E payment. In that case, a provider would be entitled to the infant supplement amount only.

For those of you into coding, a listing of new codes is included. [Download]