Independent Living Program

The Education & Training Voucher (ETV) program assists eligible foster care and adopted youth with expenses for post-secondary education and training. Funding is supplied in the form of vouchers which can be applied to colleges, universities, community colleges, and training institutions.

Expenses Covered by ETV:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Rental or purchase of required equipment, materials, or supplies
• Allowance for books, supplies and transportation
• Childcare

Eligibility

• Youth 16-25 with high school diploma or GED
• Must be eligible for the ILP and initiated post-secondary education by age of 21
• Youth who were adopted after reaching the age of 16
• Experienced foster care at the age of 14 and over and left for some reason other than aging out, Kinship Guardian Assistance Program (KinGAP), or adoption, and was reunified at the age 16 or over

Fostering Futures is a voluntary program available to young adults in foster care after age 18 that provides housing support, education/vocation assistance, and other resources. The program allows local departments of social services to provide additional supports through age 21 so participants can successfully transitioning into adulthood.

Eligibility:

You may be eligible if you turned 18 years old in foster care or while in a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility but had been in foster care when you entered.

Requirements:

•  Commitment to go to school, work, or vocational training.
• Willingness to meet with your foster care worker at least once a month.
• Participate in the development of a Transitional Living Plan (TLP) and efforts to achieve your goals.
• Completion of the Voluntary Continuing Services and Support Agreement (VCSSA).
• Attend court hearings, administrative reviews, and case planning meetings.

How to Apply:

• Before 18 years old, speak with your foster care worker and begin making plans.
• Between 18-21 years old, if you have left foster care, contact us and ask about Fostering Futures.

What if You Change Your Mind:

• If you did not apply near your 18^th birthday and now want to, you are eligible to apply any time before you turn 21.
• If you participated at some point but have exited the program, you may apply for re-entry any time before you turn 21.
• If you are in the program and decide it is not for you, you may leave at any time.

Housing Support for Youth Emancipated From Foster Care

Youth not participating in Fostering Futures at any point between the ages of 18-21 may be eligible for time-limited housing support. The housing support assistance is equal to the room and board portion of the maintenance payment for Fostering Futures. Support may be received for no more than six months. Contact us for more information.

Youth 14 years and older will have a TLP. This is a written document that includes an overview of skills, knowledge, resources, and competencies necessary for adult living.

The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) is a federal reporting system designed to gather information about youth and the independent living services they receive as they prepare to transition out of the foster care system.

Mental health is a fundamental part of your health, and it can affect how you feel, think, and act. According to the National Institute of Health, substance use increases across adolescence and into young adulthood. When dealing with mental health or substance use, know that there is help.

• Behavioral Healthcare in Arlington County
• Behavioral Health Crisis Services 

Are you interested in obtaining your driver’s license? The Independent Living Coordinator in conjunction with other adults involved in your care will provide information to you about the process and the responsibilities of driving. For more information, contact us.

Eligible foster care youth receive Medicaid insurance up to 26 years old. Apply online at: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/

• Public Health Clinics

It is important to identify someone to make health care treatment decisions for you if you become unable to do so. A Health Care Power of Attorney may be necessary.

If you are a male U.S. citizen living in the U.S. or abroad or a male immigrant (permanent resident alien) residing in the U.S., and you are age 18 through 25, you are required to register with Selective Service System.

Once registered, you must notify Selective Service within 10 days of any changes in the information you submitted at the time of registration, including address changes. Changes must be reported until January 1 of the year you turn 26. To report an address change:

• Update online
• Complete a change of address form (SSS Form 2) at the post office
• Call 1-888-655-1825 (toll free)

Before transitioning into adulthood, youth should receive a certified copy of their birth certificate, Social Security card, and state identification card. Access to these vital documents is often necessary to gain employment, pursue education, and enroll in support programs. You should also maintain copies of your health care and education records.