Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act provides funds for direct assistance to young people with foster care experiences The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) is a $2.3 trillion spending bill for the 2021 federal fiscal year. Division X of the law contains HR 7947, Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, which is monumental both in its flexibility and amount allocated. The law increased the Chafee allocation by $400 million for fiscal year 2021, but expires on September 30, 2021. Each state received varied amounts of additional allotments of supplemental Chafee funds. The age of eligibility for Chafee services under the new law is until a young person turns age 27. That means that states, tribes, and territories with Title IV-E plans, can continue to provide Chafee services to their Chafee-eligible youth through a young person’s 26th year. Eligible young people include: Youth who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older. Youth who age out and are under age 21, or age 23 if the state has opted to extend Chafee services under the Family First Prevention Services Act. Youth who were adopted or entered guardianship at age 16 or older and are under age 21, or age 23 if the state has opted to extend Chafee services under the Family First Prevention Services Act. The additional Chafee funds are very flexible, and states can provide an array of support services, staffing, material support, and direct financial assistance directly to young people. This could include but is not limited to transitional services such as: Assistance in obtaining a high school diploma and postsecondary education; Career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention; Opportunities to practice daily living skills; Substance abuse prevention, and preventive health activities (including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention); and, Direct cash payments to youth. These funds are being made available to this population due to the large numbers of young people who have experience in foster care, are in their mid- 20’s and are struggling during the pandemic, and do not have easy access to support services. This is a unique opportunity for local communities to provide immediate and substantial support to those alumni they have known were struggling but did not have the means through which to help them. Time is running out, with less than 1 month to get funding from Local Public Child Welfare Agencies and into the hands of young people with foster care experiences. The Children’s Bureau has developed Program Instruction 21-04, Information Memorandum 21-05, and a webinar (use passcode 9ES4H0K#) to help states and communities distribute the funds. To connect a current or former youth with foster care experience, with Division X funds connect them with their local public child welfare agency (in the county where they reside) or go to Check For Us. If you have additional questions please contact Carrie Gould-Kabler at carrie.gould-kabler@ssw.umaryland.edu.

Fenix Youth Project Inc. is recruiting Teens with lived experience to join our Youth Advisory Board! Meetings will be held at the Drop-In Center Every 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 pm. YAB works to help promote FYP’s mission and educate its peers on Youth Homelessness and other social issues. YAB is a place for Lower Shore teens to express ideas and opinions while building their leadership skills. Those interested in joining should contact Kiaira at kiaira@fenixyouthproject.org or join us for our first meeting on September 15 at 6:00 pm at 239 Florida Ave, Salisbury, MD Benefits for joining YAB Community service Hours Leadership opportunities in the organization and in the community Opportunities to attend conferences and seminars on ending youth homelessness Build your resume GED Study Group And more…