The NET Growth Movement
A guaranteed income pilot built by former foster youth, for former foster youth — combining unconditional cash payments with an optional support network (case management, financial literacy, mentoring) to help young people transition out of extended foster care with real financial footing. Run by Bay Area Community Services (BACS) in partnership with Alameda County Social Services Agency, the program paired direct cash with matching savings incentives to help participants build stability that outlasts the pilot itself.
Foster Youth
Headquarters
- State / Province
- California
- Country
- United States
Benefits
- Currency Type
- Fiat
- Currency
- USD
- Total Amount
- 24,000 USD
- Total Amount Per Year
- 12,000 USD
- Payment frequency
- Monthly
- How long the program lasts
- 24 months
Eligibility
Demographics
- Minimum age
- 21
Geography
- US states covered
- California
- Countries covered
- United States
- Residency of Target Geography
- Yes
Participation
- Research / data sharing required
- Yes
- Research / participation requirements
What participants had to do: Complete baseline and follow-up surveys at set points throughout the 24-month program, plus a post-pilot follow-up survey after payments ended, to track how their circumstances changed over time. What was covered: Economic hardship, financial well-being and savings, food insecurity, substance use, and progress toward education and employment goals — both while receiving payments and after the pilot concluded (to see whether gains held up once the cash stopped). Who ran it: Chapin Hall, a research institute, led by Senior Research Fellow Dr. Amy Dworsky, with support from Senior Researcher Molly Van Drunen and Project Associate LaShaun Brooks.
Application Process
- How to apply
Bay Area Community Services (BACS), which identified and enrolled eligible youth directly from county foster care records rather than through a public application window.
