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Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Florida

State Coordinator(s)

Department of Children and Families
Julie Mayo
Independent Living Specialist
1317 Winewood Boulevard
Building 1, Rm 307i
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 922-0375
Fax: (850) 487-0688
Email: julie_mayo@dcf.state.fl.us
Website: http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/

2008 Chafee Allocation

$7,587,151

2008 ETV Allocation

$2,555,708

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

3094

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

In 2005, Florida’s Children First founded Florida Youth SHINE to ensure that the voices of youth are heard in public policy debates to improve child protection and foster care services. FCF organizes and serves as adult support for the young people. It lends its network of contacts and experts to train, educate and collaborate with the Youth. Florida Youth SHINE (FYS) is a statewide youth driven organization that empowers current and former foster youth to become self-advocates .Local chapters are being formed, with Miami and Northeast Florida in the lead. This structure allows local Youth SHINE boards to elect state representatives and do advocacy in their home communities. Problems and proposed solutions with a system wide impact are reported back to the statewide board where these issues are prioritized. FYS is able to survey child welfare conditions statewide due to its members who are geographically spread throughout the state.

For more information, please visit the following website or contact the Florida State Independent Living Coordinator found on the NCWRCYD State by State pages. http://floridaschildrenfirst.org/index.htm

*Adapted from FCF website

Also check out Connected by 25 at http://www.cby25.org/.