What Foster Youth Can Access: A Checklist of Programs and Support

Start with what you have right now

Before you look for new programs, gather what you already have: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of current address (a utility bill or lease counts), and any paperwork from your caseworker about your current status in foster care or your exit from it. Many programs ask for these same documents, so having them ready means you can move faster when you find something that fits your situation.

Your caseworker is your first call for almost everything. They know which programs your state funds, which ones have money available right now, and which ones have waiting lists. If you've left foster care, your caseworker may have changed or the office may have closed your file — but you can still call your county's child welfare office and ask for a transition specialist or independent living coordinator. That person's job is to connect you to what's out there.

Key Takeaways

• Most states offer extended Medicaid to foster youth and former foster youth up to age 26, even if you age out of the system.
• Your state's Independent Living Program (ILP) teaches money management, job skills, and housing basics, and is free to current and former foster youth.
• Tuition waivers at public colleges and universities are available in most states for foster youth and former foster youth, often covering all in-state fees.
• Your caseworker or county transition specialist can tell you which programs have open enrollment and which ones have waiting lists in your area right now.

Health coverage that lasts past age 18

Most states extend Medicaid to young people who were in foster care, usually until age 26. This is called Medicaid extension or Medicaid for former foster youth, and the rules vary by state. Some states start the extension automatically when you turn 18; others require you to ask for it. A few states cover you only if you were in care on your 18th birthday.

Call your state Medicaid office or your caseworker to find out your state's exact rules and whether you need to do anything to keep your coverage. If you move to a different state, your coverage may change — ask before you go. Some states will cover you even if you move away; others won't. Having this information before you relocate saves you from losing coverage mid-move.

If you have Medicaid, you can see a doctor, get prescriptions filled, and use mental health services at no cost to you. Keep your card with you and bring it to every appointment. If a provider says they don't take Medicaid, ask to speak to the office manager — many staff members are wrong about this, and the office does take it.

Money for housing and living expenses

States fund Independent Living Programs (ILP) specifically for foster youth and young people who have left care. These programs teach you how to budget, find housing, keep a job, and handle a lease. Many also give you a small monthly stipend — the amount varies widely by state, from nothing to several hundred dollars — and help pay for things like a security deposit, first month's rent, or furniture when you move into your own place.

You usually join an ILP while you're still in care or within a year or two of leaving. Your caseworker can tell you whether your county runs one and how to get in. If your caseworker doesn't know or your county doesn't have a program, call your state's child welfare office and ask for the Independent Living coordinator. They can point you to the nearest program or tell you what your state offers instead.

Some states also run Chafee programs (named after a federal law), which provide money for education, housing, and other costs. These are often run through the same office as ILP. Ask your caseworker or transition specialist about both.

College tuition and education support

Most states waive tuition and fees at public universities and community colleges for foster youth and former foster youth. The coverage usually applies only to in-state schools and only to tuition and mandatory fees — room, board, and books are usually not covered. Some states cover you only if you were in care on your 18th birthday; others cover you if you were ever in care. A few states extend coverage to age 23 or 26.

To use a tuition waiver, you typically contact the financial aid office at the college you want to attend and tell them you were in foster care. Bring documentation from your caseworker or a letter from your county child welfare office stating your dates in care. The college will handle the waiver from there. Start this conversation early — some colleges process waivers slowly, and you don't want to miss registration.

Beyond tuition waivers, some states fund scholarships or grants for foster youth going to college. Your caseworker, your high school counselor, or the college's financial aid office can tell you what's available in your state. The National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Policy Council maintains a state-by-state list of education benefits, which you can search online.

Job training and employment help

Many states fund job training programs specifically for foster youth. These teach you how to write a resume, interview, and keep a job. Some programs also help you find an internship or entry-level position. These are often free and sometimes pay you a small amount while you're in training.

Your Independent Living Program usually connects you to job training, or you can ask your caseworker. If you're in school, your school counselor may also know about programs. Some programs are run by nonprofits that contract with the state; others are run by the state directly. The name and structure vary by location, but the goal is the same: getting you work-ready and into a job.

If you have a disability, you may also be may be able to access for vocational rehabilitation services through your state's Department of Rehabilitation Services. This is separate from foster care programs but often available to the same young people. Ask your caseworker or your school counselor whether you may have access to.

Mental health and counseling services

Foster youth often have access to counseling and therapy through Medicaid (covered above) or through your state's child welfare system. If you're still in care, your caseworker can refer you to a therapist or counselor. If you've left care, you can use your Medicaid to find a mental health provider, or you can call your county's mental health office and ask about services for young adults who were in foster care.

Some states also fund support groups or peer counseling specifically for foster youth and former foster youth. These are often free and can be easier to access than traditional therapy if you're not ready for that. Ask your caseworker or transition specialist what's available in your area.

If you're in crisis — having thoughts of harming yourself, experiencing abuse, or in immediate danger — call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Both are free and available 24 hours a day.

How to organize what you find

As you learn about programs, keep a simple list: the program name, what it offers, who to contact, and when you last called. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and what they told you. This sounds like extra work, but when you're juggling multiple programs or when a caseworker changes, having your own record saves you from repeating yourself or falling through the cracks.

Ask each program for their timeline: when do they make decisions, how long does it take to get money or services, and what happens if something changes in your situation. Write that down too. Knowing that a program takes six weeks to process means you can plan ahead instead of being surprised.

Keep all documents — letters from programs, proof of enrollment, receipts, caseworker contact information — in one folder, physical or digital. When you move, change jobs, or turn a certain age, programs sometimes need to re-verify your information. Having everything in one place means you can respond quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I aged out of foster care and my caseworker is no longer in touch?

Call your county's child welfare office directly and ask for a transition specialist, independent living coordinator, or former foster youth services. If that office doesn't answer or doesn't have someone in that role, ask to speak to a supervisor and explain that you were in care and need to know what programs are available to you. They can point you to the right person or office.

Do I lose my benefits if I move to a different state?

It depends on the program. Medicaid extension rules vary by state — some follow you, others don't. Tuition waivers usually apply only to schools in the state that granted them. Before you move, call your current state's Medicaid office and your college's financial aid office to ask what happens to your coverage. Then contact your new state's Medicaid office to find out what you're may be able to access for there. This takes an hour but prevents gaps in coverage.

Can I get help if I'm no longer in foster care and it's been years since I left?

Yes, but the programs available depend on your age and your state. Medicaid extension, tuition waivers, and some job training programs cover former foster youth into their mid-20s. Call your state's child welfare office or Medicaid office and give them your age and the dates you were in care. They can tell you what you're still may be able to access for.

What if I don't have my Social Security number or birth certificate?

Ask your caseworker or your county's child welfare office for help getting copies. They have processes for this and can often get documents faster than you can on your own. If you've left care, call your county's vital records office or your state's Department of Vital Statistics — they can issue a new birth certificate, usually for a small fee. Your Social Security card can be replaced through your local Social Security office.

Are there programs that help with things like car repairs or emergency money?

Some states and nonprofits do offer emergency assistance or small grants for unexpected costs, but these vary widely. Ask your caseworker or transition specialist whether your state has an emergency fund for former foster youth. If not, they may know of local nonprofits that do. Some Independent Living Programs also have small discretionary funds for emergencies — it's worth asking.