In Illinois, the support system for young adults who have experienced foster care extends beyond the typical age of 18. While formal foster care benefits generally conclude around age 21 in Illinois, a robust network of programs is available to assist former foster youth as they transition into independence. This guide outlines the key resources and Aged Out Foster Care Programs in Illinois designed to support young adults in healthcare, housing, education, and employment.
Healthcare Resources for Former Foster Youth
Maintaining access to healthcare is crucial for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Illinois offers several programs to ensure continuous medical and mental health support.
Former Foster Care Medical Benefits:
Young adults who exit foster care in Illinois are eligible for continued medical benefits. If you leave foster care at 18, you are entitled to up to 12 months of extended eligibility, lasting until you turn 19. For those exiting foster care at 19 or older, the Former Foster Care medical benefits program extends coverage until the age of 26.
This program is specifically for individuals who were under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To qualify for these aged out foster care programs related to healthcare, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 19 and 25 years old.
- Not be eligible for medical benefits through:
- Family Health Plans
- Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD)
- Have received foster care assistance from DCFS and aged out at 18 or later.
- Be a resident of Illinois.
- Possess a Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of SSN application.
- Meet U.S. citizenship or immigration requirements.
For more detailed information, refer to the Former Foster Care program.
Mental Health Support:
Access to mental health resources is vital during the transition to adulthood, particularly for those with a foster care background.
A Home Within offers free, open-ended psychotherapy services to current and former foster youth. Individuals can apply online to connect with a mental health provider.
For immediate support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides crisis and support services:
- Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
- NAMI Helpline: Call (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
Substance Abuse and Addiction Resources:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a confidential, free, 24/7 helpline for referral and information on substance use and mental health disorders. SAMHSA’s National Helpline can be reached through their online treatment locator.
Housing Assistance for Aged Out Foster Youth
Secure housing is a foundational need for successful independence. Illinois provides several aged out foster care programs focused on housing stability.
Youth Housing Assistance Program:
Former foster youth in Illinois may be eligible for cash assistance through the Youth Housing Assistance Program. To qualify for this program, which is crucial for those in aged out foster care programs, you must:
- Be between 18 and 21 years old.
- Be currently or formerly under DCFS responsibility.
- Be ready to close your DCFS case or have already aged out.
- Not have transitioned to adoption or subsidized guardianship.
- Have completed a budget statement form.
- Demonstrate a need for cash assistance to secure or maintain stable housing.
This cash assistance can cover essential housing-related expenses, including:
- Security deposits
- Rent (in specific cases)
- Beds
- Utility bills or deposits
- Appliances
- Partial housing subsidies
- Crisis-related housing items
The program also offers housing advocacy services to help locate and maintain housing. More details are available on the Youth Housing Assistance program.
DCFS Housing Advocacy:
DCFS Housing Advocacy provides support in finding affordable housing and community resources, without direct financial assistance. To be eligible for these aged out foster care programs focusing on housing advocacy, you must:
- Be between 17 ½ and 21 years old.
- Be under DCFS responsibility within six months of case closure or have aged out.
- Have sufficient income to cover rent and utilities or be actively seeking employment.
Support for Homeless Youth:
For young individuals facing homelessness, Illinois offers specific resources. If you are between 14 and 23 years old and lack safe, stable housing, you can contact a homeless youth provider. These providers offer access to:
- Emergency shelters
- Transitional living programs
- Other essential services
A list of homeless youth providers is available to find local support. For those over 23, county homeless care resources are available through the HUD Exchange.
Family Unification Program (FUP):
The Family Unification Program (FUP) is a federal initiative providing housing choice vouchers and supportive services to youth aged 18-21 who have aged out of foster care. PCWAs determine eligibility and make referrals to the FUP waitlist. In addition to rental assistance, FUP offers crucial support in:
- Money management
- Job preparation
- Educational counseling
- Nutrition and meal preparation
To apply, contact a PCWA in Illinois. More information can be found about the Family Unification Program.
Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program:
Even without FUP vouchers, former foster youth can access public housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). Public housing offers subsidized units, while Section 8 allows renting in the private market with a voucher. Both programs typically require residents to pay around 30% of their adjusted gross income towards rent. While waiting lists can be long, these programs provide long-term housing solutions, though they may not offer the same level of supportive services as FUP for former foster youth.
Educational Opportunities and Financial Aid for Former Foster Youth
Pursuing education is a key pathway to long-term success. Illinois offers numerous aged out foster care programs and resources to support educational goals.
Foster Care Transition Toolkit and Foster Progress:
The Department of Education’s Foster Care Transition Toolkit provides comprehensive information on accessing education, employment, and other opportunities. Foster Progress is another valuable resource specifically focused on financial aid for former foster youth in Illinois.
FAFSA and Federal Student Aid:
All Illinois students, including former foster youth, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. DCFS caseworkers, through the Post-secondary Program, assist foster youth in completing the FAFSA by November 1st of their graduating year.
A crucial FAFSA question asks about foster care status since age 13. Answering “Yes” to “At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?” designates you as an independent student for federal student aid purposes, meaning you do not need to include parental financial information. For more information, visit studentaid.gov.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program:
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program provides up to $5,000 per year for post-secondary education expenses not covered by grants. Eligibility extends to those who aged out of foster care at 18 or older, or achieved permanency at 16 or older through subsidized guardianship or adoption. ETV funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation, and eligibility lasts until age 26 (with a 5-year program limit). Apply for the ETV program if eligible. For ETV inquiries, email [email protected].
DCFS Scholarship Program:
The DCFS Scholarship Program offers tuition waivers and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges, along with a monthly stipend, medical insurance (until age 24 in some cases), and book assistance. Available for current and former Illinois foster youth (including those adopted or in guardianship), this scholarship supports students for at least 5 years as they pursue degrees or certificates. Applications are due March 31st annually. See the Scholarship Program Tip Sheet and DCFS Form CFS 438 for application details.
DCFS Youth In College Placement:
The Youth in College program provides a monthly stipend, board payment, and book assistance to eligible foster youth with DCFS legal responsibility. Further details are available in the Youth in College program overview.
Tuition and Fee Waivers:
Illinois law mandates tuition and fee waivers for in-state public colleges and universities for current and former foster youth (including those with adoption or guardianship subsidies). These waivers, when combined with MAP and Pell grants, significantly reduce college costs. Room and board are not included. Apply using DCFS form 438A; see the Tuition and Fee Waiver Tip Sheet.
Community College Payment Program:
For youth under DCFS Guardianship enrolled in Illinois community colleges, this program covers in-district tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, and equipment not covered by financial aid. Eligibility requires FAFSA application and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Employment and Job Training Programs
Gaining employment skills and securing stable jobs are crucial steps toward self-sufficiency. Illinois supports former foster youth through employment-focused aged out foster care programs.
DCFS’s Employment/Job Training/Apprenticeship Incentive Program (EJTAIP):
EJTAIP provides financial stipends and support services to help youth develop marketable skills through on-the-job experience, job training programs, or apprenticeships. Eligibility criteria include:
- Being under DCFS legal responsibility, aged 17-21 (or 16 in Job Corps).
- High school diploma or GED.
- Completion of Casey Life Skills Assessment.
- Participation in certified job training, employment of at least 20 hours/week, or an approved apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship program eligibility extends to youth who aged out of DCFS care at 18 or older or achieved adoption/guardianship from DCFS care, up to age 26. Learn more about the EJTAIP program.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
Lambda Legal’s Youth in Out-of Home Care Project advocates for LGBTQ youth in child welfare, juvenile justice, and homeless systems. Their Illinois resources page and state-specific resource sheet offer valuable information and support.
Financial Literacy Resources
Financial literacy is essential for independent living. Illinois emphasizes financial education for youth in foster care, ensuring they have emancipation bank accounts and manage personal income.
Hands on Banking offers a free financial literacy course and a helpful glossary. Youth for Youth also provides free financial literacy resources. Websites like Money Under 30 and The Mint offer accessible financial advice for young adults.
Navigating life after foster care can be complex, but numerous aged out foster care programs and resources in Illinois are designed to provide support and opportunities for young adults to thrive. By understanding and utilizing these programs, former foster youth can build a stable and successful future.
