Independent Living Program helps foster youth transition into adulthood

said. “When they graduate from high school, that’s one of the most rewarding times.”

Every county in the state of California is required to offer an independent living program, however, youth participation is voluntary.

The program is open to foster youth ages 16 to 21.

Assembly Bill 12 was put into place in 2010, and allowed foster care youth to stay in placement beyond age 18 until they turn 21 and the state will give the non-minor dependents some money.

“They are considered non-minor dependents and they have choices,” Adams said. “They can stay in the foster home or they can find an apartment and the county will help them find one or they could get roommates. It’s giving them more options.”

In order to be eligible for AB 12 benefits, the child must be in school, looking for a job or have a job.

“(The state has) been realizing that these kids are not ready to be on their own when they’re 18 – they end up homeless or couch surfing,” she said.

Before AB 12, the person in foster care would have to go out on their own when they turned 18.

“Most kids are still living with their parents and teaching them the skills they need to get out on their own and that’s what our foster kids did not have,” Harvey said.

This voluntary program gives them an extra three years to “develop those skills to be appropriate members of society,” he said.

Nichole V. Callahan, 26, of the 1300 block of Roaring Camp Court, Plumas Lake, was arrested by the Yuba City Police Department at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Roosevelt and Hooper roads on suspicion of spousal abuse. She was booked into Sutter County Jail.

Marty C. Stamps, 31, of Wheatland, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol at 7:48 p.m. Aug. 10 in the 5900 block of Park Avenue on suspicion of perjury. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.

Tara N. La Count, 30, of the 100 block of Diamond Bar Road, Oroville, was arrested by the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department at 10:53 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Shad Pad on suspicion of receiving stolen property. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.

Samuel Lule, 38, of the 4100 block of John Way, Yuba City, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 9 at Pleasant Grove and Hicks roads. He was booked into Sutter County Jail.

Todd Metcalf, 29, of the 2700 block of Date Street, Live Oak, was arrested by the Yuba City Police Department at 7:49 p.m. Aug. 9 at Gray Avenue and Kenny Drive. He was booked into Sutter County Jail.

Rumaldo B. Rios, 59, of the 700 block of Franklin Avenue, Yuba City, was arrested by the Yuba City Police Department at 7:52 p.m. Aug. 10 at Franklin Avenue and Pine Way. He was booked into Sutter County Jail.