Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed May 2026 as "Foster Care Month" in California, reaffirming the state's commitment to over 40,000 foster children and youth. The proclamation also expresses gratitude to the thousands of foster families providing stability and care across the state.
Foster youth often face significant challenges, including separation from biological families, frequent relocations, and adverse childhood experiences, leading to lower graduation rates and higher rates of homelessness as adults. Children of color and LGBTQ youth are disproportionately represented and affected within the system.
California is actively working to support vulnerable youth, implementing programs to keep families together and reduce entries into foster care, which has seen a 32 percent decrease in the past five years. The state prioritizes home-based family care over group homes, recognizing its importance for a stable childhood.
For youth aging out of the system, California launched two pilot programs in 2023 offering guaranteed income to address basic needs and combat poverty. Additionally, the state is creating career pathways through the Master Plan for Career Education and enhancing financial aid for college students, including the CalKIDS program with savings accounts up to $1,500 for every foster child and expanded Middle Class Scholarships for UC and CSU students. Community colleges, CSUs, and UCs also provide programs to aid former foster youth in transitioning to college and adulthood. The Governor emphasized the ongoing need for more loving families to open their homes.