Court Processes
CASAs Guide to Attending a Court Hearing
Attending a Court Hearing by Courtroom:
Court Report Writing
California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson
The mission of the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) is to advocate on behalf of foster children and youth regarding their care, placement, and services. The OFCO is an autonomous entity that is empowered to investigate and informally resolve complaints impacting foster youth, increase awareness about foster youth rights, and make recommendations to help support systemic change.
Through the OFCO, one can access the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, file a youth or general complaint, and request a Dependency Letter (a.k.a. Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters).
Community Partners & Resources for Youth
California LifeLine Foster Program (Cell Phone Program)
Just in Time for Foster Youth (NMD)
Fred Finch Youth & Family Services
San Diego Center for Children (SDCC)
Foster Family Agency Stabilization and Treatment (through SDCC)
The Princess Project (free and low-cost dresses)
Foster Greatness (Free resource app for former foster youth)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Education & Child Development
High School Graduation – AB216
Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS)
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP)
San Pasqual Academy (SPA) Student Handbook
Alliance for Children’s Rights Education Toolkit
Educational Rights and School Stability
School District Foster Youth Liaisons
California Foster Care Education Law Fact Sheets
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Planning Resources
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
LGBTQ+ Youth
Mental Health
It’s Up to Us (San Diego Mental Health Resource Guide)
Family Urgent Response System (FURS)
Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD)
National Alliance on Mental Ilness (NAMI)
Mental Health Center of San Diego (MHCSD)
Therapy Project California (Teletherapy Services)
Soluna (anonymous mental health app for Californians ages 13 – 25)