Future of those in the Foster Care System

Most of the programs mentioned here, are offered by the Iowa Aftercare Services
Network. As you approach the age of eighteen, a DHS caseworker from your county
should refer an Aftercare worker to you. If you are eligible for these programs, you
should apply for them. They are a great resource!

Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative:
This program based out of Polk City, Iowa allows foster youth ages 14-24
to participate in Opportunity Passport, which includes: a matched
savings account, financial literacy training, and "door openers" or local
job training opportunties. Some of the program's core values are
Premanence, Racial Equity, Youth Engagement, Integrity, and Trust. The
program is designed to work for and with foster youth to make the
transition to adulthood successful!! To learn more about Opportunity
Passport click here!

Iowa Aftercare Services
To be eligible for Aftercare Services you must:
~ No longer be in foster care placement
~ Have left foster care between 17 1/2 and 18years of age, while having been in the
system for at least 6 months at that time, or have left the system at the age of 18 or
older
~ Be between 18 and 21 years old
~ Live in Iowa
~ Be active in developing and participating in a self-sufficiency plan
~ Include a court-ordered relative and suitable person placement

If you haven't been connected with Aftercare services prior to exiting foster care, you
can call 1-800-443-8336 or click here to find out the nearest IASN (Iowa
Aftercare Service Network) agency to serve you.

Preparation for Adulthood (PAL):
This is a stipend for foster care youth older than 18 who are attending
college, job training, or work fulltime (at least 30 hours a week). To
qualify you must also go to meetings twice a month with your
Self-Sufficiency Advocate and be participating in the Iowa Aftercare
Services. The program provides a monthly stipend to live in an
approved living arrangement such as an appartment, a college dorm, of
with former foster parents. The amount of the stipend will be
determined by the needs on the self-sufficiency plan and the net
income of the recipient. This program is a great way to get assistance
paying for housing. For complete guidelines/rules click here.

Medicaid for Independent Young Adults (MIYA):
Youth leaving the foster care system at age 18 may be eligible to receive
a medical card each month until they turn 21. It is not necessary to
participate in the Iowa Aftercare Service in order to receive Medicaid.
Iowa is one of only twelve states that provides this medical coverage
opportunity to foster youth, ages 18-21. The medicaid program can
help you pay for medication, health care, substance abuse treatment, and
mental health care expenses.
~ To see all the health care services available in Iowa click here. ~
~ To see a printable application for Medicaid (Title 19) click here. ~
~ To see a printable application for Medicaid (Title 19), Food
Assistance and/or Family Investment Program (FIP) click here. ~