OLYMPIA, Wash. — Children in the Foster Care system who are turning 18 will now get the services they need through the age of 21.
This comes as a new law implemented on Thursday eliminates requirements that will now allow for more youth to receive assistance regardless of what they have planned in the future.
According to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Foster youth who continue in Extended Foster Care will be eligible for services like care placement, supervised independent living, medical, continued case management by the department, referrals to community resources and a monthly financial subsidy under Senate Bill 5908.
Before this, youth had to be enrolled in high school or a high school equivalency program, a post-secondary academic or vocational program, work 80 hours a month or be medically exempt to participate in the program.
“This change in criteria widens the availability and provides a broader safety net and financial support for youth as they work through the numerous life choices and experiences that all young adults encounter as they determine their life path,” said Natalie Green, DCYF's Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare. “This is especially important for youth documented as disadvantaged and overly represented due to racial disproportionality/disparities in the child welfare system.”
DCYF said there are over 650 young adults who have services through Extended Foster Care, which they say is likely to increase because of the recent changes.
DCYF said programs like Extended Foster Care are known to prevent justice system involvement, food insecurity and homelessness, among other things.
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