A San Francisco Chronicle Editorial

September 29, 2008

In the midst of financial meltdown, there was an amazing bit of bright news to come out of Washington last week: Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., a crucial piece of foster care legislation passed both houses and is expected to become law. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act would offer federal support to states that extend foster care services to young people between the ages of 18 and 21. The measure also requires states to work with these youth on a transition plan for employment and housing.

"The outcomes (for foster children) are dramatically different for states that keep the kids in the system until they're 21," said former San Francisco state Sen. John Burton, whose foundation played a key role in bringing all the players together to work on the legislation. "That's why we were able to get support from law enforcement and the justice system, because they understand that you just can't kick these kids out on the street at the age of 18."

Now all we need to do is make sure California becomes one of those states willing to extend benefits to foster youth over the age of 18.

It's not a sure bet, even though California officials were at the forefront of pushing this bill on a national level. The state's recently concluded budget crisis is an ominous sign that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger simply won't find the $70 million to $80 million it will take the extend benefits. It would make a huge mistake for this state to turn down this chance to dramatically improve the lives of foster youth (and cut down on spending for the criminal justice system and social services in the long run, as those young people experience greater success), but it's a real possibility.

We urge Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Baldwin Vista, and future Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, to put this issue at the top of their priority lists as soon as the Legislature is back in session.