Written by Samantha Kalahar and Kimberly Smith This year marks Mississippi’s ninth year as a Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative […]
It’s official! On September 23, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 407 into law, marking a significant step […]
Our first Advocacy Day in Sacramento was a success! On April 27th, First Place leadership, staff, and youth visited the […]
Click here to review our Pathways to Independence report, a multi-year project of the Mississippi Youth Voice board and First […]
Foster youth will have standing in youth court hearings; Advocates share additional recommendations for supporting foster youth Jackson, MS — […]
In early June 2022, the California State Legislature released its joint budget, including $34 M per year for AB 1651, […]
It’s official! On April 27th, Mississippi became the 36th state to pass a tuition waiver for foster youth pursuing postsecondary […]
Mississippi governor grants foster youth, ages 18-21, scholarships and the right to rent as adults Foster youth successfully advocate for […]
We are proud to announce that, with the help of First Place for Youth, Mississippi is moving towards becoming the […]
Older foster youth would see new benefits and resources if the Governor’s proposed 2022-23 budget passes and First Place is […]
In the midst of crisis, California is addressing the immediate needs of foster youth while also laying the groundwork for continued improvements in capacity and services
As the Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we worked, we adapted, innovated, and found new ways to meet the needs of our youth in Mississippi.
Teens and young adults aging out of foster care face immense challenges as they make the transition to independence and […]
Spurred on by the efforts of Supervisor Dave Cortese, this week the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved […]
Part 1 of our overview of new California laws for 2020 focused on changes within foster care, juvenile justice, and […]
A busy 2019 legislative session in California saw the passage of several laws for reform and improvement in the state’s […]
The investment will be distributed to county child welfare agencies enabling them to expand the successful THP-Plus program, which provides housing and supportive services for former foster youth age 18 to 24.
California was ahead of the curve in extending foster care to youth ages 18-21, and thousands of young people have […]
Foster youth continue to face poor educational outcomes, particularly when it comes to postsecondary education. This week First Place traveled to Sacramento to show our support for SB 940.
First Place for Youth staff, supporters, and local community came together to celebrate the grand opening of our beautiful new office space in downtown San Jose.
Having a safe and stable place to live is something everyone wants, and something that many young people in foster […]