Division X- Additional Chafee Funding

The Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program has additional funds to help eligible youth who have been or are currently in Florida’s Foster Care System recover from the recent public health emergency.

Florida is also providing additional Chafee funding for eligible children, youth, and young adults, ages 14-23. Upon availability of funding, the following financial services may be available:

• Transportation to youth and young adults.
• A one-time financial check to youth and young adults currently in extended foster care (EFC), Post-secondary education services and support (PESS), relative/non-relative placements, and children placed in licensed care.
• Availability of additional funding to support the needs of young adults in EFC, PESS, and Aftercare that were impacted by the recent public health emergency.
• Employment and Educational incentives for young adults in EFC, PESS, and Aftercare.
• Life Skills incentive for completion of an assessment and enrolling into a life skills program.
• Driver’s license incentive upon enrollment.

Eligibility

Youth ages 14-17 years old currently in out of home care including relative, non-relative, and level one licensure.

Or

Young adults ages 18 up to 23 years old who aged out in the legal custody of the Department, and are currently enrolled, or are eligible to enroll in EFC, PESS and Aftercare.

Get Started

Youth 14-17 do not need to apply, if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility contact your case manager.

Youth and young adults who are currently in Extended Foster Care, Aftercare, and PESS programs can contact their current IL specialist on how to obtain the Division X Chafee Funds. For a listing of statewide contacts, please click here: IL Point of Contact List

Youth and young adults who are not currently in, but are eligible for Extended Foster Care, Aftercare, and PESS programs can contact info@Cby25i.org or call 813-222-0099.

Still have questions or unsure of next steps? Contact info@Cby25i.org, call 813-222-0099 or click Get Started at the top of the page to start the application process.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, P.L. 116-260, enacted into law on December 27, 2020, makes continuing appropriations for specified federal agencies and provides temporary flexibilities and assistance in response to the recent public health emergency. Division X of P.L. 116-260, titled, the “Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act,” includes additional, supplemental or enhanced funding and requires title IV-E agencies to take a number of actions to protect and support youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care.

More Questions

Have other questions about the journey into adulthood after foster care? The Office of Continuing Care, part of Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, offers free, one-on-one help for young people who are about to or have recently transitioned out of foster care, aiming to make the leap into adulthood a positive experience. Visit the Office of Continuing Care to learn more!