FYA is currently engaged in three interlinked projects that together will significantly further its aim to develop and enhance the current system of emancipation and aftercare planning for transition age foster youth.

1. “Mind the Gap”: Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Transition Age Youth

Project goals include increasing the number of youth emancipating from foster care with mental health services in place that bridge the transition to adulthood.

2. "Dependency Dismissal Need Not be Dismal": Promoting Timely & Effective Emancipation Planning

The goal of this project is to increase the number of youth in Alameda County for whom pre-emancipation planning occurs in a structured and timely manner.

3. Aftercare Linkages Project: Improving Case Coordination & Connections Among Foster Care and After-Care Providers

This project builds upon FYA’s previous project work in this area and seeks to improve the connection between in-care providers and aftercare providers via emancipation planning and case coordination.

Click the link below for a complete description of each project.

FYA meets on the 3rd Friday of every other month. The next FYA membership meeting will be Friday, May 16th from 9:30-11:30. Meetings are held at the ILSP office, 2647 International Blvd., Suite 312, in Oakland.

On May 16th, Jackie Rutheiser and Nicette Short from the California Alliance of Child and Family Services will join us to provide an analysis of the Governor's May Revise of the Budget.

Click here for the agenda.

To download copies of the minutes and handouts from previous meetings, click the link below.

Navigating the transition to adulthood is challenging in the best of circumstances. For a youth leaving foster care, making the transition without familial support can be overwhelming. Your donation will help FYA ensure that youth 'aging out' of the foster care system have access to housing, employment, education, health care, and support services that will enable them to thrive as self-sufficient adults.