Since the passage of the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, which was enacted on Dec. 27, 2020, DFPS has been working through the legislation and how it relates to youth currently and formerly in foster care. With the March 9, 2021, release of additional instructions and clarifications provided by Program Instruction ACYF-CB-PI-21-04 relating to temporary flexibilities and assistance to support youth and young adults during the pandemic, DFPS is finalizing plans to provide the needed financial support to those impacted by the pandemic.
As DFPS continues finalizing plans, the following information and guidance may help those serving youth currently and formerly in foster care:
- Young adults currently participating in extended foster care and those who have recently left foster care were notified through their caseworker that they can remain in care or return to care, up to age 22, until a deadline of Sept. 31, 2021. For re-entry into extended foster care, please reach out to the Regional Preparation For Adult Living (PAL) Coordinators or directly to the young person’s PAL worker.
- Young adults who are participating in the Educational Training Voucher program (ETV) program, or who lost eligibility at age 23, can submit a supplemental budget for spring semester or a new application for consideration of funds.
- Young adults between the ages of 18-21 who aged out of foster care can seek resources through PAL Aftercare Case Management Services.
- Youth and young adults between the ages of 14-21 in foster care or extended foster care can seek resources through their PAL worker or Regional PAL Coordinators.
- Young adults between the ages of 21-27 with a critical need can reach out to the Regional PAL Coordinators for assistance.
Please stay tuned for more detailed information to come. Visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information and resources.