June 2016

Federal Family First Act (H.R. 5456) A Step Backwards for California’s Foster Children

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) joined Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (R-OR) in introducing the Family First Act, which ostensibly allows states to utilize federal funds for preventative and supportive services while also limiting when federal funds can […]

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California Child Advocates for Change Releases Two Policy Briefs to Help Inform Federal Child Welfare Reforms

California Child Advocates for Change is a coalition of legal and child welfare advocacy organizations, including the Alliance for Children’s Rights, that provide direct legal services to thousands of children, youth and families each year who are affected by the foster care systems. The lived experience of at-risk children and families informs both the direct

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From Research to Practice: Study on Economic Well-Being of Kin Caregivers Helps Inform Practice and Policy Change in California

A recent study published by the University of California Berkeley School of Social Welfare surveyed the economic well-being of kin and non-kin caregivers in order to better understand the similarities and differences of these two groups of caregivers and the impacts of those characteristics on their caregiving. The study examined characteristics of kin and non-kin

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California School Board Association Spotlight

The California School Board Association highlights an innovative partnership between the Bonita Unified School District and the Alliance for Children’s Rights to meet the needs of students in foster care. Ninety-five percent of Bonita Unified students graduate high school, but even in high performing districts like this one, students in foster care continue to struggle

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Chapin Hall Releases New Report on Extended Foster Care

The California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (CalYOUTHS) is underway to evaluate the impact of California’s approach to extended foster care.  California was among the first states to take up the option of extending foster care until 21, passing the California Fostering Connections to Success Act in 2010.  California’s approach to extended foster care has

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Budget Request for Child Care for Foster Children Moves Forward

At this moment, members of the Legislature’s Conference Committee are meeting to decide which proposals to include in the 2016-2017 state budget. One of the proposals under consideration is the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children, which would allocate $22 million annually to provide time-limited child care vouchers to foster children. The request

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