PL 02 TSS Program Guidelines Booklet.pdf

Transition Services and Support Booklet

The South Carolina

John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood And

Educational and Training Voucher Program Guidelines for Services

DSS Booklet 30258 (March 2026) Edition of OCT 22 is obsolete.

Transition Services and Support ………….………………………………………………………..…………….1-9 Beyond Foster Care Pathway to Success opportunities Case Transfer Procedure Extension of Foster Care Aftercare

Engaging Youth in Preparing for the Future ……………...................................................10-18

Adolescent Teaming Approach Authentic Youth Engagement Establishing Youth-Centered Successful Transition to Adulthood Transition Planning Life Skills Workshops Credit Reporting National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) Supporting a Teen and Older Youth

Who is Eligible for Chafee and ETV Funds? ................................................................ 19-23

How to Apply for Chafee Program Funding (see Appendix A also)

Available Funded Services …………………………………….…............................................... 25-37

Education Training Vouchers (ETV Program) …….……..................................................38-41

Partnership Resources ………………..…..……………………………………………………………….……42-45 South Carolina Foster Parent Association (SCFPA) YEA! (Youth Engagement Advocates) South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) The Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope, and Transitions (L.Y.G.H.T.)

Supporting Documentation Needed to Apply..................................................Appendix A

Guidelines for Requesting County Checks……….…….........................................Appendix B

Guidelines for Returning Unused Chafee Funds……………….…………...…………..…Appendix C

Federal Guidelines: State Responsibility/ Residency Status………………………... Appendix D

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Young people in foster care have a steep climb on their journey through adolescence and into adulthood. Supportive relationships and targeted services help them build resilience and gain skills they need to succeed on their path to adulthood. We, at DSS, are building upon transformational relationships and focusing on the individualized support to equip these youth and young adults with the guidance, skills, and concrete support to sustain them for the journey ahead. And youth should have the opportunities to reach and maintain successful self-sufficiency.

Transition Services and Support (TSS) creates one central, coordinated hub to align all initiatives, resources, services, and supports to better serve youth coming into their teenage years and continue that partnership into adulthood with those who age out of foster care at 18.

Transition Services and Support (TSS) embraces a trauma-informed and strengths-based culture to authentically engage and partner with the teen and young adult population it serves. TSS supports growth of teen and young adult by providing equal access to inclusive planning, individualized services, and community resources helping them achieve their full potential. TSS promotes youth normalcy and ability to architect their own lives while building resiliency and preserving their family connections.

Transition Services and Support will support the agency’s overall approach and response to the needs of teens and young adults. TSS Program Coordinators, Transitional Youth Advocates and Bridge Navigators will team and collaborate across divisions to support safety, permanency, and well-being by preparing teen and older youth for their transition into adulthood as they are exiting foster care and encourage continuous engagement with the agency beyond their 18th birthday.

Transition Services and Support

TSS utilizes John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to provide funded services needed to enhance opportunities to learn independent living skills necessary to become self-reliant.

The Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood was established with the passage of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (PL 106-169) and amended by the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (PL 115-123). Chafee funds are intended to provide youth with opportunities to learn needed skills and increase the likelihood of successful transition from foster care to independence. The Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program was established by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act of 2001 (PL 107-133). This program provides resources for youth who are transitioning from foster care to meet their education and training needs.

Public Law 106-169 established the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) at section 477 of the Social Security Act, providing States with flexible funding to carry out programs that assist youth in making the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. The law also requires the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to develop a data collection system to track the independent living services States provide to youth and develop outcome measures that may be used to assess States' performance in operating their independent living programs.

The law requires ACF to impose a penalty of between one and five percent of the State's annual allotment on any State that fails to comply with the reporting requirements.

• To support all youth who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older in their transition to adulthood through transitional services such as assistance in obtaining a high school diploma and post-secondary education, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention, training and opportunities to practice daily living skills (such as financial literacy training and driving instruction), substance abuse prevention, and preventive health activities (including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention);

• To help children who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older achieve meaningful, permanent connections with a caring adult;

• To help children who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities, positive youth development, and experiential learning that reflects what their peers in intact family’s experience;

• To provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former foster care recipients between 18 and 21 years of age to complement their own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to assure that program participants recognize and accept their personal responsibility for preparing for and then making the transition from adolescence to adulthood;

• To make available vouchers for education and training, including postsecondary training and education, to youths who have had experience in foster care;

• To provide the services referred above to children who, after attaining 16 years of age, have left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption; and

• To ensure children who are likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age have regular, on-going opportunities to engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities (as those terms are defined in section 475(11) of the Act.

Youth can be best prepared by learning about both the challenges and the opportunities in the following areas:

• A supportive relationship with an adult and/or interpersonal connections to help them achieve their personal goals

• Education and training that enable youth to obtain and retain steady employment

• Gainful employment with future possibility for career growth

• Safe, stable, and affordable housing and access to transportation for work and school

• Coverage within a managed care system for both physical and mental health

Pathways to Success Opportunities

For youth to reconnect back with Transition Services and Support send an email to independentliving@dss.sc.gov with your full name, date of birth and contact information. Youth can also submit request on SCDSS website at https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/foster-care/transition-services-and-support-tss-division/contact-form/ .

Reunification

• Return to Birth Parent(s)

• Former Foster youth who achieve reunification at or after age 14 are eligble to receive aftercare services and access Chafee/ETV benefits

Permanency

• Adoption or Legal Guardianship (Kin and/or Fictive Kin)

• Former foster youth who achieve permanency at or after age 16 are eligble to receive aftercare services and access Chafee/ETV benefits

Extension of Foster Care

• Voluntary Services and Support Agreement (VSSA)

• Former foster youth who reached aged of majority at 18 in SCDSS are eligible for EFC until 21st birthday

• Access to Chafee/ETV benefits

Aftercare

• Former foster youth between ages 14-25 elgible to access Chafee/ETV benefits

• Former foster youth age 18 until 26th birthday are eligble to partner with State Contracted Provider and receive additional Transition Services and Support

End Partnership with DSS

• Option to reconnect mailto:independentliving@dss.sc.gov https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/foster-care/transition-services-and-support-tss-division/contact-form/ https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/foster-care/transition-services-and-support-tss-division/contact-form/

Case Transfer Procedure

If a young person is approaching their 18th birthday and is preparing to reach age of majority while in SCDSS care and custody, he/she may be eligible for Extension of Foster Care. EFC provides a voluntarily partnership with young people between ages 18-21 for continued case management and court oversight with DSS.

Please contact ExtensionofFosterCare@dss.sc.gov and request an EFC case transfer form and schedule a case staffing. Please utilize DSS Form 3062C and be prepared to have all essential documents and information, including but not limited to: CANS assessments, Transition Plans, Placement/UA, Medical and Mental Health information, education enrollment, legal documents and court orders, Family Permanency Plan (FPP), outstanding Chafee/ETV requests and funds in county IL account, etc.

If a young person is between the ages of 14 and 17 and is exiting foster care

• to reunification at or after age 14; or

• to adoption or legal guardianship (kinship/fictive kin) at or after age 16, he/she may be eligible for aftercare services and continue accessing Chafee/ETV funded services.

Please contact independentliving@dss.sc.gov and request an Aftercare case transfer form and schedule a case staffing. Please utilize DSS Form 3062D and be prepared to have all essential documents and information updated in preparation for transfer, including but not limited to, education screen, contact information, Medical and Mental Health information, outstanding Chafee/ETV requests and funds in county IL account, most recent Transition Plan, etc.

mailto:ExtensionofFosterCare@dss.sc.gov mailto:independentliving@dss.sc.gov

Extension of Foster Care The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, (P.L.

110-351) amended Title IV-E of the Social Security Act to allow States the option to extend their foster care programs to young adults ages 18-21. Public Law 110-351 made this option to extend foster care to young adults available to States at any time on or after October 1, 2010.

On April 25, 2022, Governor McMaster, signed H. 3509 into law. This law enables South Carolina to operate a Title IV-E reimbursable extended foster care program (EFC) for young adults ages 18- 21 and received approval from the United States Administration for Children and Families to amend the Title IV-E State Plan.

Outlined in Child Welfare Services Policy Manual Policy 546, Extension of Foster Care (EFC) will provide a pathway for young adults who would otherwise leave the foster care system at age 18 and have not yet reached age 21, to remain in or return to the placement and care responsibility of DSS. Most young adults who participate in EFC will do so under a voluntary services and support agreement (VSSA) with DSS.

EFC will support the agency’s overall approach to responding to the needs of older youth and enable more appropriate independent living services. It will allow more time for the agency to achieve permanency and stability in the lives of young people.

It will allow the agency to maximize the untapped resources of Title IV-E funding.

Most importantly, EFC will promote successful outcomes for transitioning young adults.

Benefits of Extension of Foster Care (EFC):

➢ Court Oversight

➢ Stipend Allowance

➢ Chafee & ETV Benefits

➢ Specialized Case Management

➢ Intensive Transition Planning & Support

➢ Continued search for permanent connections

➢ Six (6) month administrative review: Young Adult Transitional Teaming (YATT)

➢ Variety of Housing Options (such as licensed placement, unlicensed provider, Supervised Independent Living Program, college dorm, or own apartment)

Extension of Foster Care (cont.)

Extension of Foster Care (EFC) legislation provides a pathway for older youth in the SC foster care system at age 18, to voluntarily remain in or return to the placement and care responsibility of DSS until their 21st birthday.

EFC requirements are as followed:

SC DSS Legal Custody Must Meet ALL the following conditions:

AND Meet ONE of the following:

Incapacitated and CANNOT Sign a VSSA h y g l ’ 18th birthday, and

Not living in a wilderness camp or other facility or institution that exists primarily for detention or correction

US Citizen Enrolled in school or vocational program

Due to a physical, intellectual, emotional, or psychiatric impairment, the department has coordinated appropriate services for a successful transition to adulthood.

Between the ages of 18 until 21st birthday

Employed for at least 80 hours / month

Sign a Voluntary Services and Support

Agreement (VSSA)

Participating in activities to remove barriers to gain employment or pursue education

• Youth who reached age of majority while in SCDSS custody are eligible to voluntarily partner with EFC until 21st birthday. Youth are eligible if they are enrolled in school or working, have identified an academic or employment goal, in need of support to stabilize, or have a disabling condition preventing goal completion.

• Former DJJ youth must be in DSS placement before turning 18 to be eligible to sign the Voluntary Services, and Support Agreement (VSSA).

• Young adult must meet guidelines for a “qualifying alien” to be eligible for EFC. Must seek clarification from Statewide Education and Non-Citizen Advocate Office of Child Health and Well-Being.

• Incapacitated clients must receive court determination before their 18th birthday that it is in the youth’s best interests to remain under the placement and care responsibility of the department due to a physical, intellectual, emotional, or psychiatric impairment.

• Young adults who are undocumented, active duty military service members, married, or convicted of a felony offense are not eligible for EFC.

• Any adverse decisions wherein DSS denies, disqualifies, suspends, or terminates VSSA agreement must go through Family Court and are subject to Fair Hearing proceedings.

Aftercare

Outlined in Child Welfare Services Policy Manual Policy 545 Aftercare Services for Former foster youth and Young Adults are now served in the State Office.

Eligibility for former foster youth who:

❖ At or after g 14 achieved reunification; or

❖ At or after the g 16 achieved adoption or legal guardianship (kinship/fictive kin); or

❖ Reached age of majority at g 18 in the legal custody of SC DSS; or

❖ Reached age of majority at g 18 in South Carolina, but now resides in another state, and the new state of residency denies offering Aftercare services or services equivalent to

Aftercare services; or

❖ Reached age of majority at g 18 while in foster care, under the placement and care responsibility of another state, but now currently residing in South Carolina, and the former state of custody denies offering Aftercare services or services equivalent to

Aftercare services.

Benefits of Aftercare:

❖ Service Navigation

❖ Transition Planning

❖ Housing Vouchers (Foster Youth Independence)

❖ State Provider Referral

❖ State Office Management

❖ YEA! leadership & advocacy

❖ Life Skills readiness workshops

❖ Chafee funded services are available until 21st birthday

❖ ETV Awards are available for five years or until 26th birthday, whichever comes first

Aftercare clients can also receive a referral to the State Contracted Provider to partner with former foster young adults ages 18 until 26th birthday to continue working on a successful transition into adulthood with a Life Coach and receive non DSS case management.

❖ Life skills planning and development

❖ Service navigation and building connections to community partners and resources

❖ Well-being support to help young adults achieve and maintain a stable and healthy living environment l m g h

Our agency’s Guiding Principles and Standards (GPS) defines Teaming as “The process and practice of creating and sustaining working teams with families, their support systems, and professionals who share a common purpose, unity in effort, and demonstrated effectiveness in problem solving toward a safe case closure.”

Every child welfare division supports a strategic plan focusing on Assessment, Teaming, and Service Array. Adolescent Teaming Approach utilizes the same strategic plan model with an individualized approach to focus on improving a young person’s successful transition into adulthood. This approach focuses on alignment, partnership, and integrated support for transition age youth. Nurturing the strengths and abilities of young people and partnering them with relationships, opportunities, and support in their communities so they can reach their full potential.

➢ Youth Centered

➢ Supporting normalcy

➢ Connection to resources

➢ Secure & stabilize housing

➢ Assessments & timely referrals

➢ Transition planning to self sufficiency

➢ Strengthening Permanent Connections

➢ Support developmentally appropriate milestones

➢ Case Review to assess progression of goal achievement & remove barriers

Engaging Youth in Preparing for The Future

Transition Services and Support (TSS)

Support Network, Providers, and Community

Partners

Foster Care/ Permanency

Case Manager

Young Person

Authentic Youth Engagement

Authentic youth engagement is a practice that involves meaningful collaboration between young people and adults, aiming to achieve shared goals. A process that prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences that help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent.

Authentic youth engagement is present when young people are provided opportunities to consistently participate in decision making, take ownership of actions, initiate conversations, architect their own plans, and are able to give feedback that impacts their transitional growth. It means developing a successful working relationship through honesty, respect, empathy, and active listening. This requires adult support and appropriate developmental relationships that create trust, collaboration, and partnership.

It is characterized by the following key elements:

➢ Youth-Adult Partnerships

➢ Preparation

➢ Opportunity

➢ Support

Establishing Youth-Centered Successful Transition to Adulthood Goals When a youth in foster care reaches the age of 14 or a youth enters care at age 14 or older, the case manager will include the youth in the development of their case plan. Case planning should be a collaborative process involving the youth, the case manager, the care provider, appropriate family members, and other adults identified as being significant to the youth and willing to support and encourage successful transition. Case plans should contain specific transition goals to include education, employment, life skills, housing, physical and emotional health, financial literacy, supportive connections, and transportation resources. The plan should include steps that must be taken to achieve these goals. Case plans should be revised as the youth develops, and his or her needs change.

The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) is a multiple purpose information integration tool that is designed to be the output of an assessment process. The CANS is a multi-purpose tool developed to support care planning and level of care decision-making, to facilitate quality improvement initiatives, and to allow for the monitoring of outcomes of individualized services. The CANS gathers information on the child/youth’s and parents/caregivers’ needs and strengths.

The CANS- Independent Living (IL) Module should be completed through a teaming approach with the foster youth (ages 14-17) and with EFC young adults (18-21) to reflect their current independent living (IL) functioning levels as well as their personal goals. The identified levels and goals will be utilized to monitor and support the youth/young adult with their transitional plan and guide the monthly delivery of National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) and IL services to prepare them for a successful transition into adulthood.

The Life Skills Assessment, such as Casey Life skills http://www.casey.org/casey-life-skills-resources/, are also used to identify a youth’s basic skills, emotional and social capabilities, strengths, and needs. The information gathered with this tool is also used to support the creation of an individualized case plan based on the specific needs of the youth. A Life Skills Assessment is re-administered on a yearly basis. Sometimes, the case manager will work with the care provider to assist the youth with this assessment.

http://www.casey.org/casey-life-skills-resources/ http://www.casey.org/casey-life-skills-resources/

Transition Planning Outlined in Chapter 6 of the Child Welfare Services Policy Manual Policy 601 Transition Planning and Work Aid 601.1, Transition Planning begins when the youth turn age 14 and planning is officially part of the Family Permanency Plan. The Transition Plan Meeting DSS Form 30206 is used to identify areas in which services and skills are needed in order to make a successful transition from foster care to independence. Utilizing the GPS Teaming approach, it is essential for case managers to assist the youth with identifying and engage individuals in his/her support system to strengthen their transition planning. The Transition Planning Meeting is to be facilitated by the case manager. The case manager is to invite Transition Services and Support regional member. The youth can invite family members, foster parents, Guardian Ad Litem, service providers, and any other individuals with whom the youth have a positive connection to develop the transition plan.

It is important for youth to understand the process that needs to take place as they prepare for adulthood. They should be encouraged to use their voices by actively participating in the development of this plan. Youth should be assisted in identifying their future goals and the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Youth in foster care have the right to invite others to their transition planning meeting who are significant to them and will continue to support them as they prepare for independence and beyond. Youth must also assume their responsibility in making the transition successful. This relies heavily on the youth’s ability to make appropriate decisions and follow through on the objectives identified in the transition plan.

The Fostering Connections and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 made it a requirement that, beginning at age 17, a youth in foster care must begin to implement their transition plan. SCDSS uses the Teaming model to complete the Transition Plan Meeting Form 30206 for this purpose. This plan must be formalized w h h 90 y h y h’ 17th birthday. This form is used again at the formal transition planning meeting that must take place 90 days prior to a youth turning 18. Transition Plan Meeting form is updated every six (6) months for young adults aged 18-21. The Transition Plan is required to be uploaded into CAPSS and submitted to Family Court for review.

Life Skills Workshops Young people are provided opportunities to experience hands on life skills development through a series of life skills workshops. Some of the workshops are listed below and are scheduled throughout the regions; and are offered in person and virtual platform. Please email independentliving@dss.sc.gov to request a life skills workshop, and please include the youth/young adult(s) name and youth/young adult’s email address along with the date and workshop title.

Financial Literacy

• Difference between wants and needs

• Managing a Budgeting

• Saving Money

• Credit Score and Credit Repair

College Readiness

• Transition from High School to College

• Navigating the college experience

• Skills needed for Success

• Paying for College/ETV Award

Employment Readiness

• Resume building skills

• Interview skills

• Communication in the workplace

• Searching for job opportunities & networking

Housing/Apartment Readiness

• Finding a Place

• Understanding a Lease Agreement

• Budgeting & Home Management Skills

• Avoiding Homelessness/Eviction

• Buying vs Renting

Annual Credit Reporting for Youth in Care In order to be and remain in compliance with Public Law 113-183 and outlined in Child Welfare Services Policy 620 Credit Reporting, “child welfare agencies must ensure that youth in foster care receive a copy of any consumer report, commonly called “credit report”, annually until discharged from care, and that they be assisted in interpreting the credit report and resolving any inaccuracies.” These reports will be obtained from three nationwide credit agencies (Transunion, Experian, and Equifax) each year the youth remain in foster care until age 18.

The Identity Theft Coordinator (ITC) will submit a credit report history request for each youth aged 14 and older who are in foster care annually and document the request for each youth’s credit report history in CAPSS. The ITC will work with the credit agencies to remove any discrepancies. Young Adults 18 and older with a previous Foster Care Placement may request the agency to conduct a credit review on their behalf using DSS Form 1540.

National Youth in Transition Database NYTD

The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) project is a national research study that tracks the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood services and outcome measures of youth transitioning from foster care in each state. The National Youth in Transition Database is a national database that (1) surveys youth about their thoughts and experiences of foster care services and (2) tracks the Chafee services that youth receive.

The survey measures financial self-sufficiency, experience with homelessness, educational attainment, positive connections with adults, high-risk behaviour, and access to health insurance. NYTD helps assess how states are improving youth outcomes through these services. By taking the NYTD survey, youth have the opportunity to use their voice to assist lawmakers and child welfare agencies in identifying the needs of young people.

States are to collect outcomes information by conducting a survey of youth in foster care on or around their 17th birthday, also referred to as the baseline population.

States will track these youth as they age and conduct a new outcome survey on or around the youth's 19th birthday; and again, on or around the youth's 21st birthday, also referred to as the follow-up population.

DSS Case Managers can support the success of NTYD and help ensure that SC doesn’t lose federal money for programs and services for youth transitioning out of foster care. The case managers ongoing contact with youth is fundamental! Case managers can encourage youth to be heard by urging them to: Take the NYTD survey (by phone, online, mail, or in person), complete the contact form, and follow us on social media platforms #SCNYTD.

SCNYTD website https://nytdstayconnected.com/ will have more information about transition resources and the survey link.

https://nytdstayconnected.com/

National Youth in Transition Database NYTD (cont.)

SCNYTD team will reach out to DSS case managers and providers to receive any updates about the youth, including their most recent contact information, and to communicate to caseworkers and other staff about ensuring completions with youth during their eligibility window.

DSS case managers, providers, and other staff members are crucial to the success of this project. Whether the youth is in or out of care, DSS case managers are usually the best connections to them. Any updates are appreciated: it could be new contact information, an update about a youth's status (e.g. AWOL, discharged), or confirming that all information is updated and provided. No matter how unimportant the information may seem, it can make a big difference for this project.

The National Youth in Transition Database is a national database that also tracks the transition services that youth receive. This database is used to document, track, and evaluate services provided for youth in foster care. All transition services must be reported as NYTD services in the Child Welfare Management and Adult Protective Services Information System (CAPSS). It is a federal requirement to record and update NYTD services in CAPSS under the “ ” b (at least monthly). A NYTD service requires action from the Case Manager or provider; specifically, for preparing a youth for independence, education, housing, life skills, employment, etc.

Case managers communicate with youth and care providers at least once per month, should utilize Monthly NYTD Tracking Form 30254 and keep copies in youth’s case file. Provide the care provider with access to the NYTD Services Booklet (Booklet 30255) to understand 14 NYTD categories.

The annual survey collection and the monthly service tracking are federally mandated. Missing or inaccurate information will result in a classification of non-compliant when reporting information to the federal government. Non-compliance could result in financial penalties placed on Chafee funds.

Supporting a Teen and Young Adult

COACH ❖ ADVOCATE❖ NETWORKER

Listen, advise, and provide youth with opportunities to learn and practice new skills.

Maximize “teachable moments” to provide life lessons, discuss expectations for adult behavior, and model such behavior. Empower youth to make decisions about their case and participate in court proceedings. Gradually decrease control and increase youth responsibilities. Establish quality communication and follow through. Recognize and celebrate success!

Help youth participate in activities normally experienced by their peers, such as participating in after-school activities. Help youth identify leisure activities that are safe, healthy, and easily accessible. Encourage youth’s development of peer support networks through participation in group activities with youth having similar interest and experiences, such as foster youth advocacy groups or social clubs.

Be a facilitator of relationships. Help establish lifelong connections for youth. Ask youth to identify at least one reliable, caring adult in their life who can also serve as a stable, ongoing connection and can provide support as they transition to adulthood. Where appropriate, support youth in exploring connections with their biological family members (siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents) and support maintaining healthy relationships with them.

Talk with youth about their educational and career goals, how their goals align with their talents and interests, identify possible barriers to achieving their goals, and discuss next steps. Offer youth assistance in exploring various educational or vocational options by talking to school counselors, conducting campus visits, and determining which programs are available in the community. Support youth as they adjust to college life or a new program, help youth in identifying available support services, and assist them in finding a place to stay over school breaks.

Supporting a Teen and Young Adult (cont.)

Assist youth in exploring various career paths by encouraging and supporting them in conducting research, attending career fairs, speaking to a career counselor, or arranging a visit to a work site. Help youth understand and practice important employable skills for obtaining a job, such as developing a resume, completing applications, and interviewing. Coach youth on how to keep a job and discuss employer expectations for issues such as arriving on time, appropriate dress, and positive work attitudes.

Help youth explore and assess housing options (including location, cost, utilities, and living with roommates), and help them conduct their search. Talk to youth about responsibilities related to housing, such as providing a security deposit, paying rent on time, keeping the apartment clean, as well as tenant rights. Support youth in completing required applications. Help youth develop a backup plan in case housing arrangements fall through.

Help youth open and manage checking and savings accounts, to develop a budget that will outline estimated living expenses and expected income. Help youth understanding obtaining credit, learn how to maintain a good credit score, and understand loans and interest rates.

Be a networker and help cultivate supports for the youth. Help youth understand when to seek medical attention and how to find affordable health and mental health services through community health centers, student health centers, or other resources. Discuss the importance of maintaining Medicaid health coverage, medical appointments, and prescriptions. Help youth determine if they are eligible for other government assistance such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Help youth connect to community support services.

ELIGIBILITY STATUS CHAFEE ETV EFC Aftercare

FO

ST

ER

C

A R

E (1

-1

SC Care and Custody, And licensed placement

SC pays Chafee

SC pays ETV

Eligible if reach age of majority while in SC care and custody

Eligible if exit foster care

SC custody and placed in Another State through ICPC

SC pays Chafee

SC pays ETV

Eligible if reach age of majority while in SC care and custody

Eligible if exit foster care

Another state custody and placed in SC through (ICPC) In Foster Care Licensed Placement SC

State of custody pays

Chafee

State of custody pays

ETV

Not eligible for SC EFC

Eligible if reach age of majority, maintains SC residency, and state of custody declines

Placed in Correctional Facility such as DJJ and/or Incarceration

Not eligible while in DJJ placement

Not eligible while in/reached age of majority DJJ placement

Not eligible while in/ reached age of majority

DJJ placement

Not eligible while in/ reached age of majority DJJ placement

SC care and custody, and Court Order Unlicensed Relative and/or Non Relative

SC pays ETV

Eligible if reach age of majority while

SC care and custody, and Court Order Parent reach age of majority while

SC care and custody, and Adoptive Home (Foster Parent and/or Relative)

SC pays reach age of majority while

Who is Eligible for Chafee/ETV funds and services?

*R

EA

C H

ED

A

G E

O F

M A

JO

R

IT

Y

Reached Age of Majority while in SC Foster Care and

SC pays ETV, even if attending out of state school while maintaining SC residency

Eligible if reached age of majority while in SC care and custody

Eligible if exit SC foster care

Reached Age of Majority in SC Foster Care and now resides in another state

State of residency pays Chafee;

if denied, then based on funding availability, responsibility falls to state of previous custody

State of residency pays ETV, if denied, then based on funding availability responsibility falls to state of previous reached age of majority while in SC care and custody

Eligible if exit SC foster care and is not receiving current resident state Aftercare services

Reached Age of Majority in other state and now resides in SC

State of custody pays

Chafee; if denied, then, then based on funding availability, falls to current residence

State of custody pays ETV; if denied, then, based on funding availability responsibility falls to current residence

Not eligible for SC EFC

Eligible if exit from other state foster care and is not receiving state of custody

Aftercare services

Reached age of majority while placed in Correctional Facility such as DJJ and/or

Incarceration Not eligible Not eligible Not eligible Not eligible

Reached age of majority undocumented

Not eligible

R

EU

N

IF

IC

A

TI

O

N

Left SC Foster Care to Reunification at or after age 14

SC pays Chafee up to 21st birthday

Select Chafee services, does not include housing

SC pays ETV, even if attending out of state school while maintaining SC residency

Not eligible for

EFC

Eligible for services

Left another state Foster Care to Reunification at or after age 14 and now resides in SC

State of custody pays Chafee; if denied, then, based on funding availability responsibility falls to current residence

State of custody pays ETV; if denied, then, based on funding availability responsibility falls to current residence

SC EFC

Eligible for

SC Aftercare services if state of denies

A D

O P

TI

O

N , K

IN

SH

IP

L

EG

A L

G U

A R

D

IN

SH

IP

Left SC Foster Care to Adoption or Legal Guardianship (kinship/fictive kin) at or after age 16 and maintains SC residency

SC pays Chafee services, except housing

SC pays ETV even if attending college in any state while maintaining SC residency

Not eligible for SC EFC

Eligible for Aftercare services

Left SC Foster Care to Adoption or Legal Guardianship (kinship/fictive kin) at or after age 16 and now resides in another state

State of residency pays, if denied, then based on funding availability, responsibility falls to state of previous custody

State of residency pays ETV, if denied, then based on funding availability, responsibility falls to state of previous

SC EFC

Eligible for

Aftercare services in state of residency, but if denied, then based on funding availability, responsibility falls to state of previous custody

Left other state Foster Care to Adoption, Legal Guardianship (kinship/fictive kin) at or after age 16 and now resides in SC

State of custody pays Chafee; if denied, then, based on funding availability responsibility falls to current residence

State of custody pays ETV; if denied, then, based on funding availability responsibility falls to current residence

SC EFC

Eligible for SC

Aftercare services if state of custody denies, sand based on funding availability

ELIGIBILITY

STATUS

CHAFEE ETV EFC Aftercare

A D

O P

TI

O

N P

R

ES

ER

V

A

TI

O N

(1

-1

In SC Adoption Preservation

(regardless of state of placement)

SC pays Chafee for ages 14 up to

18th Birthday

SC pays ETV up to 18th Birthday

Not Eligible for SC EFC

Only eligible if adoption was finalized at or after age 16

In Adoption Preservation from another state but resides in SC

State of custody pays Chafee

State of custody pays

ETV

Not Eligible for SC EFC

State of custody offers services

Additional notes for Criteria of Chafee and ETV Recipients:

• Requests for reimbursement must be received and approved before the foster care service line “closed” date for youth currently in foster care status, before the Extension of Foster Care service line “closed” and/or before the aftercare service line “closed” date for youth receiving aftercare Chafee and ETV services.

• Youth with special needs qualify for Chafee services that may not be listed in this booklet and are reviewed and approved on a case by case basis. Please submit Chafee Funding Requests (DSS form 30198) for any needed services that will assist youth with special needs securing permanency, safety, and overall well-being.

• ETV Awards are available up to $5,000/year and for up to 5 years or until 26th birthday, whichever comes first. The ETV awards does not have to be consecutive.

• Youth who are undocumented must meet certain other guidelines to be considered a “qualifying alien” to qualify for Chafee/ETV funded services. Verification must be certified by the Statewide Education and Non-Citizen Advocate Office of Child Health and Well-Being.

• Youth who are categorized as a victim of Human Sex and Labor Trafficking and are undocumented must have Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) eligibility letter before requesting Chafee/ETV funds.

• Youth who are incarcerated (includes DJJ youth behind the fence) are not eligible for Chafee/ETV funding, nor EFC. Former DJJ youth must be in DSS placement before turning 18 to access Chafee/ETV funded services and/or EFC after their 18th birthday.

• Youth who are ICPC (youth who are under the case management responsibility of South Carolina, regardless of where they live) are under normal eligibility for Chafee and ETV as a South Carolina resident. The new/receiving state may ask for a breakdown of all Chafee funds approved for the youth in order not to duplicate the same service in that state.

• Young adults who are active-duty military, including reservists, are not eligible for Chafee funds, ETV funds, nor receiving placement support due to achieving successful transition into adulthood and their receipt of federal military support including medical benefits, housing, and educational benefits.

• Married young adults are not eligible for Chafee funds and not eligible to receive continued placement support, nor sign into Extension of Foster Care, due to achieving successful transition into adulthood, but they are eligible for ETV funds.

• Young adults with a criminal record, may be ineligible for receiving Chafee/ETV funded services, Extension of Foster Care, and/or Aftercare services.

• Any adverse decisions wherein DSS denies, disqualifies, suspends, or terminates program benefits are subject to go through Fair Hearing proceedings.

• Note: Each state offers Chafee and ETV services; however, eligibility, services and allotted funds offered are different in each state.

Funding requests for John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood Funds are submitted to the Chafee/ETV Program Coordinator on DSS Form 30198 to ILfundingrequests@dss.sc.gov. Please include the required documentation for each item checked on page 2 of the form 30198 (see appendix A). All Chafee Requests should b h y h/y g l ’ planning.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received on an ongoing basis. Case managers are contacted via email or telephone by the Chafee/ETV Program Coordinator when more information is needed. Upon receipt of completed funding request with all necessary documentation, a decision regarding approval will be made, and the case manager and county business office will be notified.

Checklist for submitting Chafee services

• Completed John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood request DSS form 30198

• Most Recent Dictation discussing transition goals

• Supporting Documentation of each item requested (See Appendix A)

Please ensure COMPLETE funding requests are submitted. Incomplete requests lacking documentation will not be processed. Please provide any missing items in a timely manner before 30 days of request to avoid denial.

Approvals are based on Chafee Program funds availability and may not cover entire expense.

How to Apply for Chafee Funding mailto:ILfundingrequests@dss.sc.gov

Approvals are based on Chafee Program funds availability and may not cover entire expense.

• Participation and supplies/equipment for school sponsored activities, such as school dances and social events, and/or school related fees. (Max $400) o Provide documentation showing description of program and costs.

• Participation and supplies/equipment for non-school sponsored activities.

(Max $400) o Provide documentation showing description of program and any costs.

• Participation in summer programs, leadership/scholar programs that will provide youth with opportunities to develop academic goals, work force training skills, life skills, leadership skills, spiritual development, etc. (Max

$400) o Provide documentation showing description of program and any costs.

Itinerary and out-of-state travel form (DSS Form 1103) if travelling out of SC.

• Tutoring services are typically offered free at the school. Case managers must first contact school guidance counselor for assistance. (Max $1000) o Tutoring Request and Progress Report (DSS Form 30236). Tutors should be paid after progress reports are submitted to case manager.

Available Funded Chafee Services

Academic (Secondary) Support

• GED Program or SC Dept of Education virtual school program and fees cost and materials per subject (Max $200). If technology support is needed, submit Chromebook Request DSS Form 30197 with the Chafee Request.

• Computer Bundle for students includes laptop, software, and warranty.

o Computer Request Form 30197 must be completed and attached to Chafee Request Form 30198 for pre-approval. Computer Bundles are not for reimbursement and provided by SCFPA.

Senior Expenses: (Max $1500)

• Senior Package:

o Senior Fees: itemized invoice from school with costs.

o Prom: One (1) Senior prom ticket, prom attire, prom pictures, personal care services (does not include product purchase). Provide copy of ticket or flyer with cost or official email from school staff with costs, receipt/invoices of attire, personal care, and senior prom pictures o Graduation Package (must provide itemized invoice): Graduation invitations, cap and gown, yearbook, diploma plaque, senior year school spirit attire, high school senior jewelry (such as ring, dog tag, pendent), senior fees, senior class sponsored trip, and senior pictures (Senior ROTC, Team sports, and/or Graduation). Graduation Items may be purchased in Junior Year to prepare for Senior Year. Provide itemized invoice from school/vendor with costs.

• A recognition ceremony is held annually for all graduates. Recognition for successfully achieving academic goals.

o Provide Graduate Form (DSS Form 30237) and copy of diploma/award/certificate or unofficial transcript from school.

Academic (Secondary) Support (cont.)

Pre-College Expenses

• Dual Enrollment Fees and Supplies. Provide costs from the school/program.

Dual Enrollment fees may be waived for foster youth by school counselors.

Case managers must connect with school guidance counselor for assistance. If fees are not waivered, please provide denial/school documentation with Chafee request. (Max $400)

• College deposit-related fees may be waived for foster youth by school counselors. Case managers must connect with school guidance counselor for assistance. If fees are not waivered, please provide denial/school documentation with Chafee request. Provide invoice from Institution Financial Aid Office or Student Registry Office (Max $300)

• Personal Computer Bundle for students enrolled in post-secondary programs includes laptop, software, and warranty.

o Complete Computer Request Form 30197 with proof of school enrollment. Computer Bundles are not for reimbursement and provided by SCFPA only.

• College Dorm Room Essential Bundle (Max $500) o DSS Form 30239 with proof of school enrollment. College Dorm Room

Bundles are not for reimbursement and provided by SCFPA only.

• College registration and College room deposit fees. (Max $300) o Provide statement from Institution Financial Aid Office or Student

Registry Office.

Academic (Post-Secondary Support)

• Participation in leadership/scholar programs/organizations that will provide youth with opportunities to develop academic goals, work force training, life skills, spiritual development, networking, etc. (Max $400).

o Provide documentation showing description of program and any costs.

• Academic Incentive - Recognition for successfully achieving academic goals

(vocational or technical school, or college graduates) post-secondary students with at least a 3.0 GPA taking six or more credit hours are eligible for $100 per semester (Max $300/year).

o Provide copy of diploma/award/certificate or unofficial transcript from school.

• Childcare for one month or until ABC voucher established.

o Provide proof of enrollment, daycare cost/invoice/receipts, and ABC voucher application submission.

Academic (Post-Secondary Support cont.)

• Transportation funds to Dual Enrollment, GED, vocational school, work, or job skills training. (Max $300) o Provide proof of enrollment for school, paystub or work schedule for employment, and Google Maps/Apple Maps/Uber or Lyft receipts for distance.

• Transportation college visits/orientation. (Max $300) o Provide event itinerary and Provide Google Maps/Apple Maps/Uber or Lyft receipts for distance.

• Transportation to maintain permanent connections such as relocation and home visits from college. (Max $300) o Provide Google Maps/Apple Maps/Uber or Lyft receipts for distance.

• Bicycles- (Max $200) o Provide receipt of purchase or website store cart to include a bicycle, and additional safety items such as helmet, lock, and/or reflective gear.

• Bus Pass (Max $200) o Documentation of costs and route. Route must be in support of employment, education, and/or community connections.

Transportation

• Driver’s Education Course (Max $500) o Provide program invoice, program website pricing, or receipt.

Additional needed training hours will be reviewed for approval.

• Birth Certificate, State IDs, knowledge test, and driver’s license fees.

o Provide website fee printout from DMV or receipt.

Please note, foster parents and providers may not charge a youth for transportation assistance to school, employment, nor medical appointments and may not seek transportation reimbursement due to contract specifics.

• Repairs and/or maintenance to a vehicle (MOPED does not qualify as a vehicle) which a youth owns and is needed for education and/or employment up to

$1,500/yr.

o Provide invoice/estimate or receipt in youth’s name, proof of insurance, AND one of the following in the youth’s name: car title in youth’s name

OR vehicle registration. Repairs are strongly encouraged to be completed by official mechanic, certified auto repair shop, or under the supervision of an ASE certified mechanic.