COVID-19 Funding Available to Assist Foster Youth in Transition

• The Consolidated Appropriations Act that was signed into law in December 2020 provides states with resources to help offset the costs to current or former foster youth who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The ND Department of Human Services is dispersing that federal funding to support youth in transition who were:
  • In North Dakota foster care after the age of 14 and are younger than age 27 today, or
  • A former out-of-state foster youth currently participating in the Chafee Transition program as a resident of North Dakota.

WHAT Youth Should Know:

• Former foster youth who have aged out of foster care during the pandemic should know that additional financial resources and support are available to help meet their financial needs resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

WHAT Youth Should Do:

Current or former foster youth who meet eligibility requirements should:

• Contact their Chafee Transition Coordinator at Nexus-PATH at (701) 526-6299 and work with the transition coordinator to fill out an Application and submit it to the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

Questions & Answers

What help is available to youth in transition?

Financial support is available to current or former foster youth to offset costs and needs resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. See the table below that describes areas of available support.

Who is eligible?

• Current or former North Dakota foster youth may qualify.
• Former out-of-state foster youth who are currently participating in the North Dakota Chafee Transition program and are residents of North Dakota may qualify.

IMPORTANT: Funding is limited. Foster care verification (SFN 1612) is required.

When can youth apply?

Youth can apply NOW until September 30, 2021. The increased funding is time limited, and eligible current or former foster youth are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

18+ Continued Care Program	Chafee Program	Education & Training Voucher
BENEFITS Provides housing with support by allowing qualifying youth to live in a Supervised Independent Living setting, foster home or college dorm. Supervised Independent Living settings financial help can assist with groceries, rent costs and clothing costs.  Provides financial assistance, Medicaid coverage, education and training funding and other supportive services, which assist in the transition to adulthood. Provides resource and referral, including the services listed in the Chafee Program and Education and Training Voucher columns.	BENEFITS Provides flex funding that may be used to reimburse a qualifying young person for items needed for job interviews and work, toiletries, car repairs, medical or mental health services, educational needs and items for caring for dependent children. Offers support through Chafee coordinators to help with education, employment, financial management and housing questions and issues; and to help youth maintain positive connections and emotional support. Offers opportunities for young people to meet together and learn more about budgeting, healthy relationships, housing and community resources that support self-sufficiency Chafee Room and Board Room and board assistance removes barriers to living independently by helping young people with rent deposits, rent, utilities and other housing- related needs (such as basic furniture, cleaning supplies and equipment).	BENEFITS Can pay for tuition costs, room and board (on or off campus), books, a laptop and other costs associated with education and training programs so former foster youth can achieve career goals and become financially self-sufficient. Provides up to $3,500 per semester or $7,000 per year (maximum). There is a $25,000 lifetime maximum. This is an increase of $1,000/semester and $2,000/year.

Resources

• Poster (for partner agencies to share to help raise awareness)

Questions?

For more information, contact:

• Brittany Fode, DHS Children and Family Services (701) 328-4934 or brifode@nd.gov
• Brooke Biederstedt, Nexus-PATH (701) 526-6299 or bbiederstedt@nexuspath.org

 

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