Foster Care Specific Resources

The California Ombudsman for Foster Care

Ages: All - Eligibility: For current or former foster youth Address: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov Hotline: 877-846-1602

What do they do:  The Foster Care Ombudsperson office will remain open and the hotline is available seven days a week during COVID-19 to respond to requests. The California Ombudsman for Foster Care is the state agency mandated to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints, on behalf of foster children, related to their care, placement or services. The office is empowered to investigate complaints about state and local agencies regarding foster care. The office listens to your concerns, documents your complaints, gathers all relevant information, remains neutral and impartial, and formulates a process for possible resolution and makes recommendations.

Website: California Ombudsperson for Foster Care

iFoster

Ages: 13-26 - Eligibility: You MUST be a current or former foster youth & current student at a college, high school or middle school. Address: N/A Phone: 1-855-936-7837

What do they do:  Support getting smartphones/hotspots with unlimited data to stream your classes, & tablets, chromebooks & laptops. Follow the link to complete the form to see if you could be eligible: https://www.tfaforms.com/4811639

Website: https://www.ifoster.org/, resource specific: https://www.tfaforms.com/4811639 and email: support@ifoster.org

VOICES ILP Virtual Workshops (Sonoma County)

Ages: 15.5-21 Eligibility: Ask us about ILP eligibility as well as access. Address: N/A Phone: 707-579-4327

What they do: Usually in-person workshop every other Wednesday during the semester, however it has been moved online. While physically distancing ourselves is the most effective way to keep people healthy, we want to keep our community going! Please see the flyer below for additional information and contact info. You can join either by video or phone.

Website: www.voicesyouthcenter.org and @voicessonoma on social media

VOICES ILP Case Management (Sonoma County)

Ages: 15.5-21 Eligibility: Sonoma County current/former foster youth in ILP. Ask us about ILP eligibility if unsure Address: N/A Phone: 707-579-4327

What they do: We will support with day-to-day tasks and problem solving around obstacles in the way of being successful in reaching personal goals. We are still holding meetings or setting appointments to discuss and create a plan or help fill out forms, applications, important paperwork, etc. while still following the recommendations of CDC and Public Health. Due to the current situation we are all facing we can hold these types of meetings by phone, Zoom, or Google hangouts. Please contact Greyson directly or leave a message for him or contact VOICES’ main line.

Website: www.voicesyouthcenter.org and @voicessonoma on social media

TLC’s Transitional Housing Program (THP)

Ages Served: 16-24 Eligibility: Current/former foster youth and those who are alumni of THP Address: 821 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Phone Number: (707) 528-3020

The THP Resource Center is only available by appointment right now, but THP is full operational during shelter in place. THP is still fully open for placements during the sheltering in place order from ages 16-24 in various programs.

Website: https://tlc4kids.org/young-adult-housing/

John Burton Advocates for Youth’s Resources

Ages Served: 0-24 Eligibility: Current/former foster youth Address: Online

As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus becomes increasingly urgent, efforts are underway to address the needs of foster youth, homeless youth and other vulnerable populations.

Income Benefits for College Students

Google Doc of Updated JBAY Resources

Making an Emergency Plan with TAY in CA’s Foster Care System: A Checklist

Website: https://www.jbaforyouth.org/covid-19-resources/