We are petitioning to amend Assembly Bill 12 (California Fostering Connections to Success Act). Assembly Bill 12, as amended by AB 212, became effective January 1, 2012. It extended financial benefits and services on a voluntary basis, to eligible dependents and wards, ages 18 and up, eventually to the age of 21, subject to state budget action. Currently, foster dependents are eligible for AB 12 only up to age 19 but due to certain restrictions and cut-off dates, the allotted period of receiving AB 12 benefits will differ dependent on date of birth. By amending Assembly Bill 12 (212), issues concerning age eligibility and the implementation of AB 12 programs within Social Services departments will be addressed.