Of Special Interest to Foster Parents, Adoptive Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

 Ways you can help your foster child succeed 

 Ways DCFS can help your foster child succeed 

Art & Recreation Program

DCFS has a free program called PROJECT SOAR that is geared toward providing children in foster care (ages 3-18) with weekly after school classes in music, art, media, dance, and drama. There are two sessions held in the fall and spring. Typically registration for Fall is in late August. Registration for Spring is held in late December. For more information call 312-814-4145 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

College Programs

Youth in College/Vocational Training Program  

This program provides a monthly stipend of $ 458 for up to four years, a medical card until age 21, and reimbursement for books not covered by financial aid. Current DCFS who attend/will attend vocational school, community college or a four year college program are eligible for the YIC/VT Program. Youth participating in the Program at age 21 when their case is closed are allowed to continue in the Program through the semester he/she turns 23 years old, however the medical card ends at case closure.  The student must maintain full time status, at least a C average each semester as well as adhere to program deadlines and requirements to maintain their eligibility.  Call the Office of Education and Transitional Services at 217-557-2689 for more information.

Scholarship Program

This selective award based program provides a tuition waiver to any community college or any of the nine State Universities, a monthly stipend of $458 for up to four years, a medical card until age 23, and reimbursement for books not covered by financial aid to former or current DCFS wards age 16 to 21.  The student must maintain full time status, at least a C average each semester as well as adhere to program deadlines and requirements to maintain their eligibility.  Applications are available beginning in January each year and must be received by March 31^st to be considered. Contact the Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 for more information.

Education and Training Vouchers

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program assists youth with up to $5000 for post-secondary education related expenses not covered by financial aid grants. Youth for whom DCFS is legally responsible or who aged out of care at age 18 or older, or youth who went to guardianship or adoption placement at age 16 or older are eligible. Youth must attend a program listed as accredited by the U.S. Dept of Education and make academic progress while in the program. If enrolled in a post-secondary program before age 21 and making satisfactory progress toward completion of the program, funding is available until age 23. Call the Office of Education and Transitional Services at 309-693-5441 or email the program coordinator at patricia.palmer@illinois.gov for more information and application.

Community College Payment Program

DCFS provides four semesters of paid tuition, books, fees and required supplies for current DCFS wards up to age 21 at an in-district community college. Youth must complete FAFSA annually, maintain a “C” average, and finish the semester to maintain eligibility. A Community College Payment Program (CFS 407-3) form must be completed each semester with the case worker. This form includes a service agreement that must be read and signed by the youth. Call the Office of Education and Transitional Services at 309-693-5441 or email the program coordinator at patricia.palmer@illinois.gov for more information and application.

Independent Living Skills Programs

Employment Incentive Program

This job skills program provides a monthly stipend of $150, a medical card, and start up funding for work related items to current DCFS wards age 17 to 21 who are involved in job training through a certified job skills training program (i.e. job corps), or are  employed for at least one month prior to applying for the program and working a minimum of 20 hours per week.  Contact the office of education and transitional services at 217-557-2689 for more information.

Life Skills Program

This program provides life skills training to current DCFS wards age 14 through 20. After the caseworker completes a life skills assessment with the child a plan will be generated consisting of a maximum of ten goals for the youth, caregiver and caseworker to work together to improve the child’s independent living skills. Contact the office of education and transitional services at 217-557-2689 for more information.

Youth Housing Assistance Program

This two part program helps youth who aged out of DCFS care or are aging out within six months, obtain and/or maintain stable housing. Housing Advocacy is a service that can help youth find housing. Cash assistance can then be used to pay for items necessary to secure that housing that the youth cannot afford, if the youth has a balanced budget.  Typical items approved are housing security deposit, beds, utility deposits, and appliances. There is also a partial housing subsidy available in limited circumstances.

Contact your caseworker or Youth Housing Assistance Coordinator at 312-814-5571.

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