Extended Foster Care in California: Youth and Caseworker Perspectives
Given the relatively recent expansion of foster care eligibility to age 21, more information is needed about how foster youth and child welfare workers view and understand extended foster care. This study explored the perspectives of youth in care and their caseworkers across California, including motivation to participate in, knowledge of, and attitudes toward extended care. Findings indicate widespread beliefs that youth generally want to stay in care after age 18, with the primary motivators of furthering their education and securing housing and material support. This research provides valuable insights for child welfare providers about how foster youth view extended care and what information they need to gain the most benefit from this new paradigm.