AB 12, California Fostering Connections to Success Act| A Policy Analysis

• Main Author: Walker, Imahny Danielle
• Language: EN
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2017
• Subjects: Social work
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10262618

<p> In 2008, the federal government passed the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (P.L. 110-351). In 2010, California adopted this legislation as AB 12, the California Fostering Connections to Success Act. The aim is to promote ongoing connections between children and their caregivers, provide adoption incentives for families, and increase permanency for children. This policy analysis focuses on one aspect of AB 12, extending foster care services from age 18 to 21. The aim is to curtail the traditionally poor outcomes associated with youth leaving foster care without being connected to relationships that are safe, nurturing, and enduring. </p><p> This analysis uses the framework published by David Gil at the Brandeis University Heller School of Social Policy and Management in 1992. It includes the social problem, policy objectives and values, expectations, intended and unintended effects, and alternative policies. This analysis found that although AB 12 aims to facilitate the transition that foster youth make into adulthood, many challenges remain regarding their safety, well-being, and permanency needs.</p>