~*~Housing options for foster youth~*~

There are a number of housing options available to both current and former foster youth that are affordable and in some cases provide additional support. If you are eligible and choose to stay in foster care beyond the age of 18 through the extended foster care program you can remain with your foster parents, relatives or other caregivers. You may also be eligible to move into one of two new options now available known as THP Plus Foster Care and Supervised Independent Living. If you have already exited foster care and are looking for housing on your own, download the Foster Youths Guide to Housing to help get you started or explore some of the programs for emancipated foster youth described below. Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP+ FC) This program provides housing and case management support in either an independent living setting or with a “host” family while you are enrolled in extended foster care. The cost of your room and board is paid for and in some cases you can receive a small stipend for yourself. If you are interested in this program you should discuss this option with your County Social Worker. A Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP) This foster care placement type allows a foster youth between 18 and 21 to live independently in a setting such as their own apartment, shared housing or a college dorm. You may be able to receive the payment amount of $799 directly (with an additional supplement for parenting youth) or a payee can be designated to receive the funds. You must have the necessary skills for independent living as determined by a readiness assessment and the housing unit must pass a health and safety inspection in order to be approved. If you are interested in this program you should discuss this option with your County Social Worker. Transitional Housing Placement Plus (THP-Plus) Youth who aged out of foster care prior to the implementation of AB 12, are aged 21-24 or who choose not to participate in extended foster care may be eligible for housing through the THP-Plus Program. This program provides up to 24 months of housing and support for former foster care youth ages 18-24. Youth live either in an independent living setting or with a “host” family. For a list of THP-Plus providers and county contacts click here. Family Unification Program (FUP) FUP vouchers are available in some counties for former foster youth ages 18-21 who exited care after the age of 16. These vouchers are administered through the local Housing Authority and function like a “Section 8” housing voucher. Former foster youth pay only 30% of their household income for rent for up to 18 months. For a list of counties that have received an allocation of FUP vouchers click on the link. College Dormitories Click on the link for a list of community colleges with on-campus housing. All 23 CSU campuses and 10 UC campuses also have on-campus housing available. Some campus support programs assist foster youth to access year-round on-campus housing. Click here to search for programs that provide this service.