Other Support Programs

The Adolescent Services Programs Brochure is available to download and print.

Helps youth or young adults build the future they envision by offering individualized services and practical resources during their transition to independent life. Services for youth ages 16-18 (in foster care) and ages 18-23 (in voluntary extended foster care) include:

• Obtaining employment and internships
• Developing a housing plan
• Assisting with a various financial needs
• Utilizing our Youth Readiness Assessment Tool
• Developing independent living skills
• Assistance finding vocational training or completing college applications
• Budgeting and building credit
• Connecting with Mass Health
• Building positive lifelong connections with responsible adults

Support for young adults who have aged out of foster care at 18:

• Assisting with FAFSA and ETV applications, completing college financial assistance and vocational training applications
• Helping access services and resources/aftercare
   

Provides financial and aftercare support to youth discharging from DCF placement (at or after age 18), including funding toward first and last month's rent, security deposit, as well as budgeting, home management, and employment.

Available to young adults who are in compliance with their Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) and require monthly visits from their social worker. Eligible youth live in a supervised independent living setting (i.e., college dorm, apartment, former foster home, or renting a space). 

Provides funds for youth in placement (age 14-23) to support positive personal development and self-sufficiency goals. Funds can be used for educational technology, drivers’ education, senior expenses, interview attire, gym memberships, etc.
 

Access to an online interactive life skills curriculum through Life Skills Reimagined helps youth in care, ages 14-22, learn about money management, personal care, job seeking, healthy relationships, housing, and more. Youth complete modules online and a worksheet with an adult supporter. They receive a $75 stipend per module and an additional $150 once all modules are completed. 

Employment supports include:

• DCF internship program – Helps youth gain practical skills to build their careers and resumes. Compensation $20/hr. for maximum of 80 hours.  Contact youth.employment@mass.gov to learn more.
• Funding for non FAFSA eligible licensure and certification programs.
• Connect with MassAbility. Services include assistive technology, career services, and independent living resource. Must be eligible for SSI or SSDI. 

• MassNFCA is a resource for community and connection for current and former foster youth
• The WAVE is a DCF youth newsletter written by and for agency youth where they can share their experiences, observations, suggestions, challenges and achievements with others who may benefit. It includes articles, poems, artwork, and resource information. THE WAVE also helps keep youth informed of the many youth-sponsored activities available to them, i.e. peer support groups, higher education fairs, employment and mentoring programs.
• DCF organizes five regionally-based boards offering DCF youth participants a platform to voice their ideas and recommendations to the administration on issues facing youth served by the agency. 

A program with community partners to help youth gain employment experience through supported paid internships and volunteer opportunities. Staff assist youth in identifying career interests and internship placements that will provide career-building experiences.

Help paying for school

Housing support

Pregnancy and parenting support

Academic support