Health

John Burton Advocates for Youth works to ensure the health and well-being of children and youth in foster youth through a range of strategies:

Advocate for Youth with Physical and Mental Disabilities
John Burton Advocates for Youth has worked to ensure that youth with disabilities make a safe, supported transition from foster care by working to pass state laws to ensure they have access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) upon their exit from foster care.
Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies
John Burton Advocates for Youth works to improve public policies to prevent unplanned pregnancy among older youth in foster care. This includes advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 89, legislation that increases access to comprehensive sexual health education, educates foster youth about their reproductive rights and provides training to social workers, caregivers and judges.
Reduce Poverty Among Young Familes
John Burton Advocates for Youth advocates for expanded resources for parenting foster youth, including successfully advocating for an increase in the infant supplement from $411 per month to $900 per month, as well as constantly fighting for improved policies and practices to support young families and prevent child maltreatment.
Ensure Food Security
John Burton Advocates for Youth works to ensure that all eligible current and former foster youth have access to food through the availability of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California. Follow this link for a recent publication by John Burton Advocates for Youth that explains foster youth eligibility for this important benefit program. Follow this link for resources for college faculty assisting students in applying for CalFresh.