ACCESSING CAREERS THROUGH EDUCATION

SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH

The following is a summary of the various services and resource for former foster youth. You need to have been in a foster placement for any period after your 16^th birthday to be considered former foster youth and eligible for most of these services. Keep in mind that the financial estimates change every year and the amount might decrease or increase.

IVROP Project ACE (Accessing Careers through Education)

Contact Luis Torres Phone #: 760-337-5079

Work You can request to be placed at a worksite for career exploration or in hopes of being hired. Project ACE also offers academic counseling, life skills workshops, educational workshops and employability training. Also, you qualify for any youth program or vocational training that is offered through the One Stop Program (760-337-5000).

Housing Former foster youth qualify for up to 3 months of rental assistance with limits of $500 rent and $500 deposit. The program will only pay for your share of the rent if you are sharing the apartment with a roommate. You need to show proof that you are attending some type of training and making an effort to find employment. You can also request assistance to find an apartment or receive training on life skills topics.

You also qualify for housing assistance from Housing Authority (Section 8) and are given priority if you apply as soon as you emancipate. You can receive Section 8 assistance even if you move to another county or state (760-351-7000).

Care Package Former foster youth will be provided with many of the basic household needs such as towels, sheets, kitchenware and cooking utensils. You need to call to set up an appointment with ILP for this service. (Approximately $500)

Chafee Grant The California Grant Program gives up to $5000 each year of free money to foster youth and former foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or vocational school training. Check to see if this grant available.

Independent Living Program (Social Services)

Contact: Carmela Ruiz Phone #: 760-337-7702

Medi-Cal Former foster youth can have Medi-Cal health insurance (Medical and dental care) until they turn 21, regardless of how much money they have or whether they are working or not. You only need to update your contact information every year. You need to have emancipated at age 18 or 19 to qualify.

Supportive Services You can request assistance to purchase necessities such as food, clothing, training equipment or work clothes. You might be able to request other emergency items. Call before to see if your request will be approved. Bus passes can be supplied to go to school, work or running errands.

Furniture You can request for a bed and dresser when you have finally found a place to rent. You can also request a refrigerator if the rental unit does not have one. This can be either purchased or reimbursed.

Food Stamps You might qualify for temporary food assistance if you are having financial problems. You can also qualify sometimes if you are only working part-time.

Independent Living Program (Imperial Valley College)

Contact: Rebecca Green Phone #: 760-355-6232

ILP Classes Youth between the ages of 14-21 can attend weekly workshops that discuss life skills topics such as housing, paying bills, bank accounts, financial aid, etc. Youth are paid for attending workshops.

Scholarship Foster youth can receive financial aid that can help pay for tuition, books and any supplies. You need to provide a copy of your high school diploma and proof that you are a part-time or full-time student. (Approx. $400-$800)

Computer Former foster youth can attend a computer-training course during the summer. Students who have shown proof that they are enrolled in a college or other school will receive a computer upon completion of the course.