Current and former foster youth receive additional assistance during the pandemic

Phoenix, AZ (April 2, 2021)

Current and former foster youth can now receive extra support during the pandemic thanks to a new federal law.

The COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act increases support for young adults currently in foster care and former foster youth who have not yet turned 27 years old.

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult on youth aging out of our Extended Foster Care program,” said DCS Director Mike Faust. “This funding will allow us to provide critical services to young adults even after they turn 21 or have already exited foster care.”

The funding can be used towards housing, education, employment services, and more.

To qualify, young adults must:

• be 18 years old, but not yet 27 years old; and
• have been in foster care at 14 or older or are currently in foster care;
• be a resident of Arizona;
• have an identified need which is identified under the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act.

In addition, the Act allows any youth that aged out of foster care since January 2020 to re-enter DCS’s Extended Foster Care Program.

Re-entry into the extended foster care program for youth recently aged out is possible now through September 30, 2021, only. Relief funds are available to eligible youth until depleted through September 30, 2021.

DCS is currently reaching out to youth who have already turned 21 and are eligible to return to extended foster care. If youth wish to contact the department to have their case re-opened, please contact [email protected].

Qualified youth ages 14 to 27 can directly apply for funding at https://dcs.az.gov/chafee-funding.

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