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Last Updated: September 5, 2008

Florida

State Coordinator(s)

Florida Department of Children and Families
Catherine Heath
Interim Independent Living State Coordinator
1317 Winewood Boulevard
Building 6
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Phone: (850) 922-2425
Fax: (850) 487-0688
Email: Catherine_heath@dcf.state.fl.us

2008 Chafee Allocation Estimates

$7,412,454

2008 ETV Allocation Estimates

$2,547,049

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2004)

2999

State's Chafee Mission Statement

Information is currently unavailable.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Foster care youth ages 13 to 21 and youth between the ages of 18 and 21 who exited foster care prior to their 21st birthday are eligible to receive services. Young adults ages 21 and 22 are provided services through state funds and ETV.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

The current definition of and approaches to provide room and board include:

• “Room and board” includes housing, food and other expenses such as rental deposits and utilities
• Financial assistance for room and board may be provided through the Road to Independence Scholarship, transitional support services and aftercare support services
• Assistance in locating suitable and affordable housing may be provided by the foster care caseworker or independent living staff
  

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

18

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

Youth may remain in foster care until age 18 and receive the services for the children’s foster care program. Young adults age 18 until his or her 23rd birthday may receive services through aftercare support services, transitional support services and/or the Road to Independence Program. In addition, young adults may request an extension of jurisdiction until age19 so that the courts may monitor the provision of young adult services. They are not considered “in foster care” but are under the supervision of the court. All services after reaching age 18 are voluntary.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

Medicaid is available until age 21 for any young adults who qualify for the Road to Independence Program, and Medicaid is available to all young adults who exit licensed foster care until age 20.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Youth may obtain their driver’s licenses; however, it is difficult to find those willing to sign for liability and insurance.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

Yes

Students are exempt from paying tuition and fees at any public college or university, community college or vocational school. The youth or young adult would qualify if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Is or was at the time he or she reached age 18 in the custody of the Department of Children and Families
• Was adopted from the department after May 5, 1997
• Is or was at the time of reaching age 18 in the custody of a relative under s. 39.5085, F.S.
• Was placed in a guardianship by the court after reaching age 16 and spending at least 6 months in the custody of the department
  

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Florida’s Youth SHINE