Abstract
This study explored the needs of aged out foster youth as pertaining to AB12 legislation and programming using a qualitative, interview based study design with a 6 respondent sample. Respondents ranged in age from 19 to 24, all were going go college part or full time and were employed. Former Foster youth 18 and older were asked about their experience with and knowledge of AB12 eligibility. Youths who used AB12 services were asked of their evaluation of the program. Respondents reported being uninformed about their eligibility for AB12. Many respondents noted the importance of mental health counseling and mentorship during their transition to adulthood. New findings in this study include the need for a foster youth navigator; or a practitioner that has experience with AB12 and the foster care system and can help youth connect to services as they transition out of foster care.