It's not about where you've been...
It's about where you're going!
JUST THE FACTS...
The Iowa Aftercare Services Network is a statewide initiative funded by the Iowa Department of Human Services to address the needs of young adults who have aged-out of foster care.
12 Iowa human service agencies collaborate to form the Network so
local agencies can deliver services to local youth in each of Iowa's 99 counties.
IOWA AFTERCARE SERVICES NETWORK CAN HELP
If you are:
Currently living anywhere in Iowa. A former foster care recipient who may have received services in a Family Foster Home, a Group Home or through a DHS Supported Independent Living arrangement. At least 18 years old but not yet 21 years old and left foster care at age 17 1/2 or older.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND COMPONENTS
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)
Aftercare participants who left foster care after May 1, 2006, were at least age 18, and have a high school diploma or GED may be able to qualify for a monthly stipend to live in an approved living arrangement such as former foster parents, in an apartment or a college dorm.
To qualify for the stipend, a PAL participant must be attending college, be in a work training program or be working. Regular meetings with a Self Sufficiency Advocate are also required.
Subsidized Apartments
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) oversees a direct rent subsidy component of the Iowa Aftercare Services Network. This program is designed for aftercare participants who do not qualify for PAL. The IFA may be able to subsidize an apartment up to $350/mo. Youth are responsible for paying the remainder of rent.
The goal is for IFA aftercare participants to have some type of income and be working towards self-sufficiency.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Medicaid Coverage (Title 19)
Youth leaving foster care after turning 18 may be eligible to continue receiving a medical card each month until age 21. Be sure to let the Department of Humans Services know every time your address changes. To qualify you must continue to live in the state of Iowa. You may receive Medicaid even if you choose not to particpate in Aftercare.
The Medicaid card may help pay the cost of medicaton, health care and substance abuse, or mental health treatment. Iowa is one of only 12 states that provides Medicaid coverage for 18 to 21-year-old former foster care youth.
College Financial Aid
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. Youth use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
The state of Iowa offers two grant programs to help with college expenses: the Education & Training Voucher (ETV) Grant and the All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant. Grants are free money that do not need to be repaid and are available to students who meet the specific requirements of each grant program. For more information, please visit www.iowacollegeaid.gov and click on Scholarships and Grants or call 1-800-383-4222.
AFTERCARE SERVICES NETWORK
CAN WORK WITH YOU TO:
- Find and keep a safe place to live.
- Pay for emergency and unexpected bills.
- Find a doctor, dentist or counselor.
- Set and reach your personal goals.
- Go to college or get job training.
- Find a job or career.
- Connect with other community resources and opportunities.
1-800-443-8336
FOR REFERRAL TO AN AGENCY NEAR YOU
These 12 agencies provide support, services and links to additional program resources such as transitional living services, employment training, and counseling.
- American Home Finding Association
- Boys and Girls Home & Family Services
- Children's Square USA
- Children & Families of Iowa
- Family Resources
- Foundation 2
- Four Oaks
- Francis Lauer Youth Services
- Quakerdale
- Young House Family Services
- Youth Homes of Mid America
- Youth & Shelter Services
IOWA
AFTERCARE
SERVICES NETWORK
ON YOUR OWN BUT NOT ALONE
Coordination & Evaluation provided by:
Youth Policy Institute of Iowa
Des Moines, IA 50322
(515) 727-4220
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