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Last Updated: October 6, 2009

Montana

State Coordinator(s)

Montana Department of Human Services
Betsy Stimatz
Foster Care Program Officer
1400 Broadway, RM C118, Cogswell Bldg
Helena, MT 59604-8005
Phone: (406) 444-1675
Fax: (406) 444-5956
Email: b.stimatz@mt.gov

2009 Chafee Allocation

$500,000

2009 ETV Allocation

$156,593

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

245

State's Chafee Mission Statement

Information is currently unavailable.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

All youth in State, Tribal or BIA custody ages 16 and over. Youth who have exited care at age 18 or had a guardianship or adoption after age 16.

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

Room and board assistance may be made to a placement provider on behalf of an eligible youth, only if foster care funds are not being used. The amount of assistance will be based on the youth’s personal circumstances and needs, other available community resources, previous use of funds and the availability of funds. The need for room and board assistance must be clearly demonstrated.  Youth must meet one of the following criteria in order to access room and board assistance:

  • youth must be employed full-time; or
  • actively seeking full-time employment unless attending school or can demonstrate why he/she should not be expected to work full-time; or
  • enrolled on a full-time basis in a post-secondary education program that does not meet the requirements for assistance through the ETV program; or
  • youth is enrolled on a part-time basis in a post-secondary education program and it has been determined by program management that the youth’s circumstances are such that the youth should not be required to attend school full-time or to work and attend school.

Room and board funds can be accessed to pay for the following:

  • rental and dorm deposits and applications fees;
  • assistance with monthly rental payment;
  • assistance with monthly utility payments; and/or
  • assistance with purchasing food.

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?

Foster care payments for youth beyond age 18 may be appropriate when the youth:

  • is at grade level, but will not graduate from high school until after their 18th birthday;
  • is at current grade level but is having academic difficulties or missing credits and will not graduate before their 18th birthday; or
  • is below grade level (one or more years behind his or her age group) and is more likely to graduate from high school if they remain in the foster care setting.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

No

No additional information is available.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

A worker may not sign for a youth's driver's license. The Department will not assume responsibility for youth seeking driver's licenses. If the Department does not have permanent legal custody, the worker must seek written authorization from the child’s parent allowing the child to obtain a driver’s license.

Based on written permission from the child’s parent (or the permanent legal custody status of the child), the child’s foster care provider may sign for a driver's license. The foster care provider is responsible for the youth's driving actions. The foster care provider is responsible to have proper and adequate insurance coverage for both the vehicle and liability damages, as they are not covered by the state foster care provider insurance policy.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

No

No additional information is available.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

No additional information is available.