Congress appropriated millions of dollars last year to help support youth and young adults in Arizona’s foster care system, along with those now between ages 14 and 26 who were previously in foster care. While $3.4 million has already been distributed, there is much more available, but the deadline for most eligible applicants is only two weeks away.
Those who qualify may receive up to $2,000 directly or have it applied to expenses for things like education, medical expenses, family support, housing, or transportation. The funds are part of the COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, according to Mike Faust, director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS).
Funding is available to those who have been involved in Arizona’s foster care system between ages 14 and 21, with the deadlines based on the person’s current age. Youths currently at least 14 years of age but not yet 21 have another year to apply regardless of whether they are still in foster care or were in foster care at some point between ages 14 and 21.
However, anyone currently between the age of 21 and 26 who was in foster care at some point between the ages of 14 and 21 must apply for their share of the federal funds on or before Sept. 30.
“The pandemic has impacted everyone, especially current and former foster youth,” said Faust. “There is help available, but the deadline is fast approaching. This is why we are imploring anyone who knows an eligible youth in that 21-26-year-old range to encourage them to apply today. We can’t help these youth after the end of the month.”
For more information and to apply for the $2,000 funding option, go to https://dcs.az.gov/fosterfunds
DCS also has information available on two other possible funding options for older kids, including the extended foster care program for youth who left foster care at age 21 between Jan. 27, 2020 and April 20, 2021. Eligibility information can be obtained by emailing YAS@arizonaschildren.org
The other program provides aftercare services for some young adults now ages 18 to 21 who were in the foster care system at some time between ages 16 and 21. Information about after care services is available at https://dcs.az.gov/services/yap
