Two programs can help you move from foster care into life as an independent adult.

Extended Foster Care 

When you turn 18, you may still need help learning adult skills. If you are in foster care, you can get Extended Foster Care from 18 until you turn 21. You will become part of the program when you turn 17.

In Extended Foster Care, we assign a social worker and caregiver to be your support team. You create a plan together and sign a Mutual Agreement. You need to accept and live by the rules and responsibilities in the agreement and in your placement. 

Your social worker and caregiver will help you: 

  • Achieve your education and job goals 
  • Address long-term plans for independence 
  • Focus on meeting the goals in your transition plan 
  • Continue relationships with mentors and others who have been a positive influence in your life 
  • Find housing 
  • Get medical insurance or other benefits 
  • Apply for financial aid for school 

Who can get Extended Foster Care   

You must be doing any of these: 

  • Completing high school or equivalent program 
  • Enrolling in college, community college or trade program 
  • Employed at least 80 hours a month 
  • Participating in a program or activity to improve job skills 

If you cannot do any of those because of a medical condition, you can still qualify. 

If you have a child, you can qualify if you were in foster care when you turned 18. 

Housing 

Body text:  To get Extended Foster Care, your social worker must approve the place where you live. You might be able to stay in the home you are in now, or you might choose a new place.  

Some of the placements for you are: 

  • An approved home of a relative or a family friend
  • Foster family home 
  • Home of a non-related legal guardian 
  • Transitional housing programs the County approves  
  • Apartment by yourself or with roommates
  • Renting a room
  • Dorms or university housing
  • San Pasqual Academy alumni housing

Leave and re-enter  

If you choose to leave foster care, you can decide to re-enter Extended Foster Care any time before your 21st birthday. You can start again if you: 

  1. Agree to meet the participation requirements 
  2. Sign a voluntary agreement 
  3. Live in an approved setting.

If you are 21 or older you cannot get Extended Foster Care. However, some resources are available for you. Visit 211SanDiego.org or call 2-1-1 to find out more.

Learn more   

Independent Livings Skills 

For current or former foster youth, the Independent Living Skills program helps you learn skills and get community resources. The program gets you ready to live on your own. You will be part of the program when you turn 16.

Who this is for 

  • Foster youth 16 to 18 years old in placement outside their home. You get help from County staff. 
  • People 18 to 21 years old who are non-minor dependents or former foster youth. You get help from outside agencies. 

What you learn 

Skills include how to: 

  • Make positive life choices  
  • Choose a school or training  
  • Find safe, affordable housing  
  • Manage your home   
  • Apply for money to pay for school  
  • Manage your money 
  • Get health and community resources  
  • Get ready for a job 
  • Find and keep a job  

More information

Call 866-457-4636

Page last updated 09/26/2025