Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Urges Governor Gavin Newsom to Reconsider Budget, Protect Foster Youth
SACRAMENTO – Senator Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) is calling upon California Governor Newsom to prioritize the preservation of the Family Urgent Response System (FURS), a crucial lifeline for foster youth, formerly foster youth, and their caregivers across the state. Since its inception in 2019, the FURS program has been instrumental in providing support and maintaining placements in family homes.
The FURS program, established by the Legislature, receives approximately 5,000 requests for assistance annually from children and youth currently or formerly in foster care and their caregivers. This statewide initiative offers a 24/7 hotline and county mobile response teams spanning all 58 counties, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families receive the support they need when they need it the most.
"This funding is not just about dollars; it's about investing in the future of our most vulnerable youth and families," said Senator Alvarado-Gil, who herself experienced foster care as a child. "Preserving the FURS program and allocating resources for disaster response is deeply personal to me. I know firsthand how critical these services are in ensuring the safety and stability of foster youth. The state has an obligation to provide care for foster children, even under the most challenging of circumstances.”
Senator Alvarado-Gil is also advocating for $14 million in ongoing General Fund support to allow every county to designate resources equivalent to at least one full-time employee for planning, supporting, and coordinating response efforts during disasters and facilitating post-disaster recovery. With California experiencing more frequent and intense disasters, it is vital to protect the safety and resilience of foster youth and their families.
California’s foster care population is 21% Black, 50% Hispanic, and 22% White — Senator Alvarado-Gil emphasizes the disproportionate representation of Latinos in the foster care system.
This advocacy builds upon the foundation laid by Senator Alvarado-Gil’s previous bill, SB 589: Foster Youth Disaster Assistance. SB 589 seeks to establish a statewide Child Welfare Disaster Response Fund, ensuring immediate access to grants and resources for communities impacted by disasters. This fund will address urgent needs such as transportation, interim housing, and replacement of essential belongings for children and youth in foster care and their caregivers.
Senator Alvarado-Gil urges Governor Newsom to stand alongside her in safeguarding the well-being of foster youth and families across California by preserving the FURS program and supporting disaster funding initiatives. Together, we can ensure that no foster youth or family is left behind during times of crisis.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
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