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Last Updated: October 6, 2009

Kansas

State Coordinator(s)

Kansas Children and Family Services Commission
Jaymee Metzenthin
Independent Living Program Manager
Docking State Office Building, 5th Floor SW
915 Southwest Harrison
Topeka, KS 66606-1570
Phone: (785) 368-8192
Fax: (785) 368-8159
Email: Jaymee.Metzenthin@srs.ks.gov

2009 Chafee Allocation

$1,777,727

2009 ETV Allocation

$597,795

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

1140

State's Chafee Mission Statement

Information is currently unavailable.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Youth in out of home placement for any length of time on or after their 15th birthday up until 21 years of age.

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

Kansas provides Independent Living Subsidy to youth 18-21 for rent/room and board.  Youth shall have an education or employment plan and a mentor to receive Independent Living Subsidy. 

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?

Youth may chose to stay in care up until 21 years of age.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

Kansas provides the Foster Care Medical Card Extension Program to youth 18-21 years of age who were in custody of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and eligible for out of home placement on their 18th birthday.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Youth in foster care can apply fordriver's license like any other youth.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

Yes

Senate Bill 85 provides for the Foster Child Educational Assistance Act which provides free tuition at all Kansas schools to youth up until 23 years of age.  Eligibility includes youth who age out of foster care; graduate from high school or complete GED while in foster care; or adoption or permanent guardianship/custodianship after 16.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Kansas has five Regional Youth Advisory Councils and one Statewide Council referred to as the Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC). Any youth, 15 and older, who are or were in foster care may participate. Former foster youth may continue to participate on the KYAC beyond 21 years of age. For more information, please contact the Kansas State Independent Living Coordinator found on the NCWRCYD State by State pages.