JBAY and CPOC Foundation Release Updated Housing Toolkit for Probation Officers Supporting Non-Minor Dependents

John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), in partnership with the Chief Probation Officers of California Foundation, has released an updated publication, Non-Minor Dependent Housing Resources Toolkit for Juvenile Probation Officers Assisting NMDs While in Care and in Transition.

Released in September 2026, this update comes as housing affordability and insecurity continue to impact the stability of non-minor dependents (NMDs) in California’s extended foster care (EFC). The toolkit incorporates the latest state policy changes and budget investments to help juvenile probation officers effectively connect young people to housing supports both during care and as they transition to adulthood.

The toolkit describes placement options available to NMDs and includes practice tips on assessing youth readiness, identifying local programs, preparing youth for housing program applications and interviews, supporting placement retention, and resources for supporting young parents. The toolkit also summarizes housing programs and support for youth formerly in out-of-home care, including transitional housing, federal housing vouchers, local homelessness response systems, and permanent affordable housing.

New additions to the toolkit include campus-based housing and basic needs support at public colleges and universities, Medi-Cal Community Supports that address housing needs, and income supports such as HOPE Accounts and the California Foster Youth Tax Credit.

For probation officers and community partners, the publication can support earlier planning, stronger referrals, and more consistent use of housing resources before youth exit care. To learn more, review the toolkit here.

Note: The originally issued newsletter contained an erroneous link to the webinar page. That link has been corrected below.

The 2027-28 FAFSA Opens October 1, JBAY to Host Annual “How-to” FAFSA/CADAA Webinar on October 27 

On Tuesday, October 27 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) will host its annual “how-to” webinar on completing financial aid applications. The webinar is geared toward adult supporters of youth with experience in foster care or homelessness. The webinar follows the October 1 launch of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2026–27 academic year. 

The California Student Aid Commission advises students to complete the FAFSA or CADAA as early as possible to maximize access to state, federal, and institutional financial aid. While most students should complete the FAFSA, the CADAA is California’s state financial aid application, which should be completed by undocumented students in order to receive financial aid and pay in-state tuition at public institutions. 

The webinar will review the FAFSA and CADAA page by page and provide important updates on relevant state and federal policies. Presenters will also provide key steps to take after the FAFSA or CADAA is completed, such as creating a WebGrants account and claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship. To register for the webinar, follow this link. JBAY also has a range of financial aid resources for youth and adult supporters, which will be updated by the October 27 webinar. 

One Month Left to File: $5.5 Million in Foster Youth Tax Credit Refunds Claimed by 4,850 Youth So Far

According to the California Franchise Tax Board, as of August 31, 4,852 current and former foster youth have claimed $5,512,565 from the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) in 2026. While the FYTC increases income and reduces poverty, 592 fewer youth have claimed their refunds compared to last year, leaving over half a million dollars on the table for basic needs like food, rent, transportation, and childcare.

Dedicated outreach, self-filing events, and Volunteer Income Taxpayer Assistance (VITA) sites staying open through October 15 have helped narrow this gap since June. To address the initial shortfall, John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) rallied support from 25 individuals who took a pledge to spread the word and help youth book an appointment with a VITA site. With one month left in the 2026 tax season, JBAY is requesting continued support with sharing the FYTC social media toolkit and promoting two online self-filing events happening on September 17th and October 1st. The events are open to any current and former foster youth ages 18 through 26. Participants who attend and complete their returns may receive a gift card.

There is still time for current and former foster youth to join their peers who have already filed and claim the money they are owed in tax refunds. JBAY offers various resources to help, including a self-filing guide and a VITA roster. County administrators interested in supporting youth with filing can refer to JBAY’s County Toolkit and FYTC claiming rates by county here.

Hotel/Motel Stays Now an Allowable Use of Federal EHCY Grant Funds to Facilitate School Attendance for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Local educational agencies (LEAs) can now use federal McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) funds for short-term emergency housing for families and youth experiencing homelessness, under certain circumstances. According to guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) on August 4, 2026, LEAs may cover temporary hotel or motel stays when necessary to facilitate school attendance, provided it is used as a last resort.

DOE’s letter elaborates on these circumstances to specify that “last resort” means when alternative funding sources and housing options are not readily available, such as shelter beds or hotel vouchers for which a child, youth, or family may be eligible, despite active collaboration and coordination with local housing providers, local government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Further, DOE indicates the temporary housing must be essential to remove an immediate barrier to the student’s enrollment, regular attendance, or full participation in school activities, which includes maintaining educational stability at the school of origin. The letter further indicates that decisions should be rooted in the individual student’s unique circumstances and must be adequately documented. DOE has incorporated this policy into its updated guidance for implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

While SchoolHouse Connection notes that districts used similar pandemic-era flexibility to improve attendance and maintain connections with highly mobile students, the organization also highlights that EHCY funding remains limited. EHCY currently receives $129 million nationally, reaching about one in five (21%) LEAs across the country.

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