The COVID-19 public health emergency has put children, youth, and families at risk. New Federal funding provides State, Tribal, and county child welfare agencies with time-limited resources to respond to some of the needs of youth and young adults under the age of 27 and who experienced foster care after the age of 14.
I spent time in foster care. Can I access pandemic relief funds?
If you can answer “Yes” to BOTH the questions below, you may be eligible for services:
- Are you younger than age 27?
- Did you spend time in foster care after the age 14?
If you are still in contact with your caseworker or agency, they are your first and best contact to discuss eligibility.
Otherwise, contact your State Independent Living and Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Coordinators to find out if you’re eligible. This list also points to available State websites on the pandemic relief program.
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I’m a child welfare professional. What can I do?
If the youth or young adult you work with is under the age of 27 and spent time in foster care after the age of 14, they may be eligible for pandemic relief funds to get financial support with rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, car loans, groceries, or other basic needs.
Use the following Federal resources to get more information. Keep in mind, however, that States, Tribes, and territories will administer the financial support and assistance at the State, county, local, and agency level.
Program Instruction: PI-21-04.PDF
Learn about the Children's Bureau's instructions and guidance on actions required to address the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act.
Information Memorandum: IM-21-05.PDF
Read this Information Memorandum that outlines changes available to States and Tribes to the Chafee and ETV supplemental funding, maximum age limitation on eligibility for assistance, programmatic flexibilities, and more.
Letter to Child Welfare Directors About the Economic Impact of Covid-19.PDF
Read this letter that urges child welfare directors to act swiftly to implement the “Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act,” Division X of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260). It also encourages child welfare agencies to partner with youth and young adults in implementing these provisions.
Watch This Webinar
Watch this webinar from January 7, 2021, where the Children’s Bureau provides information to States, Tribes, and courts on the Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act, P.L. 116-260. To access the webinar, use the passcode 9ES4H0K#.
Spread the word!
Share the above flier with your networks to help eligible youth and young adults access these important relief funds. Youth organizations, counselors, colleges, and other youth-serving groups can use this flier to reach eligible youth.
Use the sample email signature images to help engage your contacts and drive them to more information.
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