Nationally, around 20,000 youth leave foster care each year when they reach age 18. Young people who have left foster care say the struggle for day-to-day survival after leaving care makes planning for a good future difficult. To help with this transition, support and preparation must begin when you enter out-of-home care. The Older Youth Program, also known as the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, offers services and financial help as you develop your skills, education and independence.
The Older Youth Program is available to anyone between the ages of 14 and 23 who are either currently in Children’s Division custody or were at one time.