Foster Youth Resources

The following collection of website links comprise a variety of programs aimed at assisting foster youth and other individuals with a wide variety of information and beneficial services:

Educational support

Four-year institutions with Foster Youth Programs

More and more four-year institutions are offering specific programs for foster youth transferring to their university or college. Additional programs will continue to be added.

Many California State University (CSU) campuses offer a variety of programs and resources for foster youth. Learn about different programs, resources, and how to access these services.

  • University of California - Foster Youth Resources

Many University of California (UC) campuses offer a variety of programs and resources for foster youth. Learn about different programs, resources, and how to access these services.

Food assistance

  • DVC Food Pantry
    The Diablo Valley College Food Pantry provides emergency, supplemental food to DVC students to assist in fighting food insecurities.
  • Cal Fresh Program
    Formerly known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program "SNAP", provides qualified households and individuals with healthy and nutritional food.
  • Contra Costa County Food Banks
    The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano distributes food directly to people in need through a variety of programs. Find programs and services in your area.

Housing resources

  • THP Plus
    A project of the JOHN BURTON FOUNDATION with the goal of reducing homelessness among current and former foster youth in California by improving access to safe, affordable and supportive housing.

The THP-Plus Statewide Implementation Project works to improve access to two vital programs in California:

THP+FC, which provides supportive housing to youth age 18 to 21 who are in foster care;
THP-Plus, which provides 24 months of supportive housing to former foster youth, age 18 to 24.

Both programs provide wide range of supportive services, including job training, educational support, and counseling. The THP-Plus Statewide Implementation Project seeks to expand access to both programs throughout the state through training, technical assistance, and advocacy.

  • Environmental Alternatives
  • Uplift Family Services
    This Transitional Housing Program (THP) serves a limited number of adolescent clients (ages 16-19) who are in the process of emancipating from the foster care program.
  • Calli House
    Daytime drop-in services for homeless youth age 14-24 years and emergency shelter for homeless youth age 18-24 years. Homeless youth accessing services through the emergency shelter or through the drop-in center are provided with support services to help them return home, access transitional housing program, or live independently.
  • YEAH! Youth Emergency Assistance Hostel
    Seasonal shelter and supportive services for homeless youth aged 18-25. Located in Berkeley. Open during the winter rainy season, from November to mid-May.

Financial assistance

Health/medical

Legal services

  • Western Center on Law and Poverty
     Western Center fights for justice and system-wide change to secure housing, healthcare and a strong safety net for low income Californians.
  • Bay Area Legal Aid
    BayLegal provides expertise in foster care benefits programs and partners with the Youth Law Center and the Public Interest Law Project to provide trainings in foster care benefits to attorney and advocate organizations. BayLegal is also on the Foster Care Benefits Taskforce, a state-wide taskforce that tackles systemic barriers to benefits for foster care youth.
  • National Center for Youth Law
    NCYL improves foster care systems and supports laws and policies which promote the safety and well-being of children who have been abused or neglected.

Other resources