Know Your Rights

Are you in foster care? You have so many rights! Some of them are listed here. As an additional resource, the California Alliance of Caregivers created a downloadable Foster Youth Rights Handbook.

Always check with your lawyer about your specific rights and for any updates in the law.

Your
Home

Your
Body

Your
Belongings

Your
Relationships

Your
Privacy

Your
School

Your
Case

Your Plans for
the Future

Your Sexual Orientation,
Gender Identity & Expression (SOGIE)

Do you feel your rights as a foster youth have been violated?

Do you feel your rights as a foster youth have been violated? If so, you also have the right to contact the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services or the State Foster Care Ombudsperson regarding any violations of your rights. You can speak to representatives of these offices confidentially, and have a right to be free from threats or punishment for making complaints.

To make a complaint with Community Care Licensing, email letusno@dss.ca.gov or call 1-844-538-8766. You can also visit the website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/CCLD-Complaint-Hotline.

To contact or make a complaint with the Foster Care Ombudsperson, email fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov, call 1-877-846-1602, or visit their website at https://fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov.

Additional Links

High School Graduation

EBCLO’s Education Advocacy Program assists youth in achieving their high school completion goals. This page provides details about the program and resources.

Transitional Age Youth (TAY)

EBCLO works with many TAY, and we’ve compiled tips for young people who are participating in extended foster care or want to return to extended foster care. 

Education

EBCLO’s Education Advocacy Program works to help youth succeed in school.