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 16th birthday to be considered former foster youth and eligible
for most of these services. Call
our offices if you have any questions at 760-337-5079 or 760-337-3096.
Project ACE (Accessing Careers through Education)
Youth Program
Contact: Luis Torres Project Coordinator 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 most youth programs trainings that are offered through the One
Stop Program (760-337-5000).
Housing You can receive for up to 3
months of rental assistance with limits of $500 rent and $500 deposit. You need
to show proof that you are enrolled in any school and working consistently for
at least one month. You can also request assistance to find an apartment or
receive training on life skills topics.
Section 8 You can apply for housing assistance from Housing Authority (Section 8) and can be given priority if you “emancipate” or leave the foster care system at the age of 18 (Contact Project ACE for details).
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 show proof that you have your own studio or apartment.
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 apartment does not have one. This can be either purchased or reimbursed. You need to show proof that you have your own studio or apartment.
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 Students who have shown proof that they graduated and
are enrolled in a college or technical school will receive a computer or laptop
with a printer. Students need to attend a computer-training course during the
summer.
Chafee Grant The California Grant Program gives up to $5000 each year of free money to foster youth and former foster youth for college courses or vocational school training. You can call 1-888-224-7268 for more information or to check on the status of your application. The application and information are on this website:
Independent Living Program Coordinator (Social
Services)
Contact: Cassandra Gregory ILP Coordinator Phone #: 760-337-6889
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 need to have
“emancipated” at age 18 or 19 to qualify. You might qualify for temporary food
assistance if you are having financial problems.
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. Bus passes
can also be supplied to go to school, work or running errands. You will need to
show proof that you are working or attending a school/training program.
ILP ID & Letter You can request a letter or ID to verify that you
are a former foster youth and eligible for ILP services anywhere in the