Transition Planning Specialists
The Department has eight Transition Planning Specialists, known at TPS?s, who focus on resources available to teens in foster care. As teens prepare to exit the foster care system at age 18, there are numerous issues to take into consideration ? where will the youth live once they leave foster care? How will they support themselves? Will they pursue higher education or immediately enter the workforce? Will the youth continue to receive Medicaid benefits for health insurance and prescriptions? The TPS is prepared to assist with these issues and many more. Please view the Iowa map to locate the TPS in your area.
Aftercare
The purpose of aftercare services is to provide services and supports to youth aged 18, 19 or 20 who were formerly in foster care. The primary goal of the program is for participants to achieve self-sufficiency and to recognize and accept their personal responsibility for the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Iowa DHS contracted a private agency to administer the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN). IASN is a network of private agencies across the state to assist youth as they leave foster care and enter adulthood.
PAL Stipend
Aftercare participants who participate in work or school full-time may be eligible for a PAL living stipend.
Pre-PAL
While the PAL stipend will not start until the youth leaves state paid foster care, Pre-PAL services can start before youth age out to help build a relationship with the Self-Sufficiency Advocate or rent an apartment. Pre-PAL consists of up to ten meetings with the Self-Sufficiency Advocate.
Medicaid for Independent Young Adults (MIYA)
The purpose of the Medicaid for Independent Young Adults (MIYA) program is to provide continued health coverage to young adults transitioning to independency from state care and custody.
MIYA Eligibility Definitions
MIYA currently provides Medicaid coverage to eligible youth who are:
? Living in Iowa,
? Under age 21,
? Who were in a foster care placement when they turned age 18,
? Left foster care on or after May 1, 2006, and
? Have countable income under 200% of the Federal poverty level.
Youth covered under the MIYA program receive the same services as any other child under 21who is eligible for Medicaid. Youth covered by the MIYA program receive covered services through existing Medicaid provider networks.
Contact your DHS county office for an application.
College Resources
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
There are several resources available that will assist youth with college expenses. The first step in receiving any type of financial aid for college is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The FAFSA is the application for federal grants and scholarships (like the Pell Grant) and must be completed if the student is to receive any financial aid. The results of the FAFSA determine how much financial aid each student will receive.
Students who exit foster care at age 18 or older, can answer ?yes? to question #53 which asks,
?Are both of your parents deceased, or are (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?? By answering yes, the student will be treated as an independent student and no parental information is required. Students who answer ?yes? to this question should anticipate that the college/university will require proof of their ward of the court status. Most colleges/universities will accept a copy of the court order placing them into the care of DHS or a letter from a social worker on DHS letterhead.
The FAFSA should be completed in January for students intending to start college in August.
For assistance completing the FAFSA, please contact your Transition Planning Specialist.
- The State of Iowa offers two programs to help pay for college:
Up to $5,000 per year per student. Youth must have a high school credential (either a GED or diploma) and must:
? Age out of care (leave care w/i 30 days of turning 18), or
? Be adopted from foster care after the age of 16, or
? Enter a subsidized guardianship after reaching age 16
Youth must be under the age of 21 the first time they participate in the ETV program (meaning they must be attending class and receive a disbursement prior to age 21). Funding can continue until the age of 23.
Students must reapply each year and are required to meet the academic progress standards of the college/university or make satisfactory progress towards completion of the training program to renew this grant
Youth must have high school credential (either a GED or diploma) and must:
1. Be an Iowa resident
2. Attend an Iowa college or university
3. Age out of care (leave care within 30 days of turning 18), or
Be adopted from foster care after the age of 16, or
Age out of the state training home or Iowa juvenile home (leave placement within 30 days of turning 18)
4. Youth must be under the age of 23 the first time they participate in the All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant program (youth must be attending class and receive a disbursement prior to turning 23). Funding can continue until the age of 24.
5. Students must reapply each year and are required to meet the academic progress standards of the college/university or make satisfactory progress towards completion of the training program to renew this grant
TRIO Programs
Almost all colleges and universities have a Student Services office on campus. The Student Service office can offer:
- instruction in basic study skills
- tutorial services
- academic, financial, or personal counseling
- guidance on career options
Students should ask the college or university they are attending about services offered at that campus.
elevate?
elevate is a group of young people who seek to inspire others to new levels of understanding & compassion to the life connection needs of foster care & adoptive teens by sharing their personal stories of hope. DHS has partnered with Children and Families of Iowa to expand the successful Des Moines elevate chapter to sites across Iowa.
Visit the elevate website for more information.
