Extended Foster Care

Extended Care Services

Extended Care Services is a component of ILP services.

Extended Care Services are for young adults who:

  • Are in Extended Foster Care (EFC)
  • Have left Child Welfare Services (CWS) at age 18
  • Meet ILP eligibility, but choose not to be dependents of the court
  • Participate in the Aftercare Program
  • Extended Care Services are designed to assist all eligible transitioning and former foster young adults aged 18 to 21, to successfully transition into self-sufficiency. Services include EFC and Aftercare.
  • Former foster young adults who are between the ages of 18 to 21, have exited foster care and contact the department for help, may be referred to Extended Care Services by their SW.
Foster care child and mother

Extended Care Services provide young adults with a bridge to independent living that offers comprehensive case management, which includes:

  • Mentoring and tutoring (practical goal setting)
  • Home visits by an Aftercare specialist
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Assistance in locating housing and employment
  • Support groups
  • Crisis intervention
  • Scholarships for college or vocational training
  • Career exploration and aptitude assessment
  • Various other types of individualized assistance to support them in reaching their full potential as young adults.
Mother and child making fingers heart shaped signs

Youth and young adults may initiate Extended Care Services at the age of 17 ½ and continue to receive services from 18 to 21 years of age.

  • Young adults who are 18, 19, or 20; and meet eligibility requirements by turning 18 years old while in care. Young adults must also meet the criteria of working at least 80 hours per month and/or attending school to stay eligible.
  • These young adults qualify for workshops and support through contracted providers. 
  • Housing services, education assistance, and employment assistance, are provided by Children and Family Services.
  • Extended Care service referrals must be completed and submitted to the regional ILP Office Assistant prior to the foster youth’s 18th birthday.
  • How to re-enter care after 18 if eligible call the child abuse hotline and say your name age and let them know you would like to re-enter into extended foster care. See Extended-Foster-Care-AB-12.

California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Frequently Asked Questions

Walden Family Services

  • Remain in foster care at the age of 18 until 21 years of age
  • Are 18, 19, or 20 years old and meet eligibility requirements by turning 18 years old while in care
  • Work at least 80 hours per month and/or attend school (must meet these criteria to remain eligible)
  • Workshops and supports through contracted providers
  • Housing services, education assistance, and employment assistance provided by CFS
  • EFC referrals must be completed and submitted to the regional ILP office assistant prior to the foster youth’s 18th birthday.