On January 5th, 2022, Assembly Member Philip Y Ting. of California introduced assembly bill AB-1615 entitled Foster youth: housing. If enacted, this bill would amend the Health and Safety Code and the Welfare and Institution Code relating to foster care. This bill would provide additional funding to child welfare agencies in all counties to extend transitional housing services for young adults of the child welfare system from those who are 18 to 21 years old, to 18 to 24 years old. AB-1615 would also extend housing navigation services to support these individuals in securing and maintaining stable housing which would essentially help decrease homelessness amongst young adults exiting the child welfare system. 

Approximately 25% of young adults in the foster care system become homeless after they are emancipated at the age of 18. At this point in their life most foster youth find themselves with a lack of financial and emotional support, leaving them behind without a permanent place to live. Statistics show that 50% of the homeless population have spent some time in foster care; therefore, there is an association between homelessness and the foster care system. Other additional effects associated with foster youth becoming homeless are poor educational attainment, lack of employment and an increased likely hood of abuse and incarceration rates amongst these individuals. 

By passing AB-1615 it would remove barrier requirements for foster youth that prevent them from having stable housing. AB-1615 would extend eligibility ages and the duration of housing programs including housing services. Overall, counties would be able to help address the homelessness crisis among foster youth exiting the child welfare system and help them be a step closer to self-sufficiency. 

Please join me in signing this petition in support of passing AB-1615 to tell the Committee on Housing and Community Development that this is an important issue that requires their support.