Q: I understand that Assembly Bill 592 gave the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) the authority to provide foster youth with written verification of their foster care status. I am working with a former foster youth to complete her Chafee application and we need this verification.
My question: Has an All County Letter (ACL) been issued about how this former foster youth can get written verification of her time spent in foster care?
A: You are correct, Assembly Bill 592 authorized the California Department of Social Services to provide foster youth with written verification of their status. A draft ACL has been issued and the final version is expected to be issued shortly.
However, CDSS has stated on several occasions that a youth may request this verification at any time and that they do not need to wait for the ACL to be issued.
To make this request, the youth should contact the California Foster Care Ombudsman Office at 1-877-846-1602.