Alliance for Children's Rights

This project will work to ensure that implementation of the California Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB 12), which extends the right of foster youth to remain in care until age 21, is carried out in Los Angeles County so that youth can take full advantage of this landmark legislation and transition with improved outcomes.  The Alliance for Children’s Rights will partner with the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles and California Youth Connection, to:  (1) Educate youth, caregivers, judges, minors’ attorneys, social workers and community service providers about the benefits of extended foster care; (2)(a) Conduct a Courtroom Lab at Children’s Court to identify trends and challenges in transition planning for youth generally and to the implementation of AB 12 specifically; (b) Develop the findings of the Lab into written Best Practices for lawyers, judges, social workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and other child welfare stakeholders; and (3) Share Lab findings with two separate work groups co-chaired with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Juvenile Court convened specifically to develop county-wide policies, practices and programs designed to support transition age youth.