Chafee Aftercare Services
The Foster Care Independence Act requires states and their CCYAs to make aftercare services available to youth formerly in foster care. Aftercare services are defined as: “IL services available to any youth who exited foster care on or after their 14th birthday and prior to their 23rd birthday.” Aftercare services may include the full range of services and supports including a needs assessment/case planning, life skills training, prevention services, education, support services, employment, location of housing, room and board, retreats and camps, indirect services and program administration. This would include supports for post-secondary education, room and board and supplies such as textbooks. The provision of aftercare services is mandatory for youth who experienced foster care at age 14 or older and meet the eligibility requirements regardless of the county or state where services were previously provided. While the provision of aftercare services is mandatory, participate in services is voluntary.
Youth receiving aftercare services should also participate in the creation of a Transition Plan to facilitate a successful transition from CCYA services. Aftercare services provided to an individual youth by the former resource family, group home or institution, the CCYA or the contracted provider must be described in the youth’s Transition Plan.
CCYAs and private provider agencies must maintain documentation in the youth’s case record that aftercare services were offered to all eligible youth. The aftercare policy must include a statement signed by the youth indicating they are aware of the availability of aftercare services, in which they may participate after discharge and until they reach their 23rd birthday. All youth eligible to receive IL services should be presented with information about the availability of, and eligibility criteria for receipt of, aftercare services and resumption of dependency jurisdiction (including foster care entry/re-entry) at the onset of services. Youth must also be re-informed of these services and supports (as applicable) prior to their discharge from CCYA care. In cases in which youth aged 16 or older are adopted or placed with a PLC, it is recommended that the caregiver also sign a statement acknowledging that IL services, including aftercare services, are available to the youth up until age 23.
The county where the youth is currently residing is responsible for the assessment and delivery of services. The availability of aftercare services is essential in preventing and/or minimizing the setbacks that can occur after discharge from foster care. Youth electing to discontinue participation with voluntary services are eligible to re-request services up to age 23.