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Last Updated: November 13, 2009

Arkansas

State Coordinator(s)

Arkansas Division of Children & Family Services
Toma Whitlock
State Independent Living Coordinator
700 Main Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
Phone: (501) 682-8453
Fax: (501) 682-8991
Email: Toma.Whitlock@arkansas.gov

2009 Chafee Allocation

$969,425

2009 ETV Allocation

$325,988

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

620

State's Chafee Mission Statement

To ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our care by providing accurate, consistent and current information, technical assistance, research and support.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

• Foster care youth between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one (14-21) participating in high school, secondary school, or an equivalent technical program.
• Former foster care youth up to the age of twenty-one (21) are eligible for post-discharge services (after-care) if the youth was in foster care on his or her eighteenth (18th) birthday. Post-discharge services may include additional life-skills training. Also job search assistance, housing search assistance, community involvement, and board assistance may be provided, as funds are available.
• Foster teens, ages 14-15, are provided appropriate life skills training and other services based on evaluations and assessments.

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

Arkansas includes rent, deposits, food, utilities and start-up in its assistance with room and board for after-care services for youth who have aged out of car eor is in a treatment program.

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

21

No additional information is available.

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

To stay in foster care after reaching eighteen (18) years of age for education, treatment, or work and specific programs and services, including but not be limited to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and other transitional services

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

No

Youth in care can retain Medicaid eligibility until age 19. Medicare extension recommended under Chafee has not yet been adopted. 

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Current law allows an Agency designee to sign for the youth to obtain a driver's license. (rev.2007)

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

No

No additional information is available.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Arkansas' Youth Advisory Board has been in place since October 2000. The board is involved in discussions of policy, procedures, legal issues, and special projects and some of its members serve on other boards and advisory groups. For more information, please contact the Arkansas State Independent Living Coordinator found on the NCWRCYD State by State pages.