There's a lot to think about as you transition to adulthood. These programs can help make things easier for foster youth.
What are you interested in?
DCF financial support
Discharge support - You are eligible when you leave DCF care at age 18. Benefits can include:
- Rental assistance
- Security deposit
- Budgeting/home management skills
- Employment support
Young Adult Support Payments (YASP) may be available if you:
- Have a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA)
- Meet regularly with your social worker
- Live in a dorm, apartment, or former foster home
Contact your worker to learn more.
Life skills support/training
Life skills support is available to youth in care age 14-23. Funds can be used for things like:
- School technology
- Driver's education
- Interview clothes
- Senior expenses
- Gym memberships
- And more
Life Skills Reimagined offers youth in care age 14-22 who qualify the chance to get paid for online skills training. You'll complete online modules, review them with an adult supporter and receive $75 for each one and $150 when you finish. You'll learn about:
- Money management
- Job search skills
- Personal care
- Healthy relationships
- Housing
Contact your worker to learn more.
Meaningful connections
Finding people to count on can provide support, stability, and a sense of belonging.
- The WAVE is a newsletter created by and for DCF youth to share their experiences, thoughts, challenges, and wins with others who can relate. It includes opportunities like peer support groups, college fairs, jobs, and mentoring programs. Email us to sign up.
- Join one of the regionally-based DCF youth boards to voice your ideas and recommendations on issues facing youth served by DCF. Interested? Contact your worker.
- The MA Network of Foster Care Alumni helps keep former foster youth connected and supported. Check it out!
Adolescent & Young Adult Outreach
The Outreach program provides additional support as you prepare for independent living. Contact your DCF worker to learn more. You may qualify if you are:
- Age 16–18 and in foster care, or
- Age 18–23 and in voluntary extended foster care
Support may include:
- Finding a job or internship
- Making a housing plan
- Help with money and budgeting
- Building credit
- Learning daily living skills
- Applying for college or job training
- Connecting to MassHealth
- Building relationships with supportive adults
If you left foster care at age 18, you can also get help:
- Applying for financial aid (FAFSA, ETV)
- Completing vocational training applications
- Finding services and aftercare support