Saving SILP: Preserving a Lifeline for California's Foster Youth Amid Homelessness Crisis

Amid California’s astonishing homelessness crisis, foster youth face disproportionate risks, with almost a third of them experiencing homelessness. The Supervised Independent Living Placement program (SILP), is an important lifeline for these vulnerable young adults, however this program now faces a threat of proposed budget cuts.

Foster youth in California are an at risk group to face homelessness. According to Alternative Family Services, close to 31% of young adults who were in foster programs have experienced homelessness in California. Out of that 31%, 82% of young males who have been in the system are more likely to become homeless.

In a state that is progressive and offers help to those in need, an unexpected budget cut, which would eliminate SILP, could be detrimental to the transition for foster youth in the state. 

SILP is a flexible non-licensed foster care placement available for young adults from the ages of 18-21 who are currently participating in the Extended Foster Care Program. Currently, those who are a part of SILP are receiving $1,129 a month, which helps cover rent and other living needs. 

Without the Supervised Independent Living Placement program the already serious homelessness situation among California’s foster young adults will worsen. Foster young adults in Los Angeles County who are transitioning away from foster care may find it difficult to secure permanent housing and may be more vulnerable to homelessness and its related problems without SILP's assistance. 

Although California faced a $38 billion budget shortfall last year, which is the main reason behind Governor Newsom’s proposed budget cuts, SILP only accounted for $25.5 million and is a fraction of the overall budget of $291.5 billion. The cuts made in the budget pertaining to SILP is also at question as the federal government contributes to 26% extra to the funding. 

Despite the budget challenges that California faces, it is important to continue the funding for programs such as SILP, because they provide support to foster youth at risk of homelessness, which is already a raging issue not in the Golden State but also the entire nation. Reinstating and even increasing the funding for SILP in the budget can make a great difference in the lives of these vulnerable young adults, ensuring they have the support they need to transition into independent, stable lives. 

Written by Chris Viveros

Sources: https://calmatters.org/commentary/2024/02/foster-youth-rental-support-budget/ https://calmatters.org/politics/2024/01/newsom-budget-california/ https://jbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FACT-SHEET-Proposed-Elimination-of-18.8-million-SILP-Housing-Supplement.pdf https://www.pennylane.org/resources/foster-care-statistics#:~:text=California%20Homelessness%20Statistics&text=Here%20are%20some%20key%20foster,more%20likely%20to%20become%20homeless