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
|
BENEFITS
Chafee Room and Board
| BENEFITS
|
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