Read the full article by Chris Nichols at CapRadio
Advocates for California’s foster youth are criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to cut several programs they say are critical to keeping foster youth from falling into homelessness.
Newsom proposed the cuts in January as part of his plan to close the state’s multi-billion budget deficit.
They would eliminate:
- An increased rental subsidy for young adults, ages 18-21, who are aging out of the foster care system. The subsidy program is called Supervised Independent Living Placement, or SILP.
- A service that helps foster youth find housing and provides case management called the Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program.
- A 24/7 statewide hotline and support program that helps de-escalate problems between foster youth and the families they’re placed with called the California Family Urgent Response System.
Advocates say the cuts could increase the risk of young adults falling through the cracks and into homelessness as they leave the foster care system. Foster youth are eligible for rental subsidies and other state-funded housing services until they turn 21.