This section is intended for wards aged eighteen and older.

Scholarship Program DEADLINE APPROACHING MARCH 31

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 312-814-5959 for more information.

*Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, Northeastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University.

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.

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.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Suggestions for Improvement by the Office of the Public Guardian Teen Scholars

DCFS Youth Hotline

Youth Entitled to SSI Payments

Placement of Youth Age 18 and over with Unrelated, Unlicensed Caregivers

Extending Medicare Eligibility

Suggestions for Improvement by the Office of the Public Guardian Teen Scholars
The Office of Cook County Public Guardian hires approximately 20 teenage clients/wards to work in our office in the summer. During the course of several meetings, the OPG Teen Scholars identified and drafted several key recommendations that were forwarded to Jess McDonald, Director of DCFS:

DCFS Youth Hotline
Did you know that DCFS has a youth hotline available to older youth? The purpose of the hotline is to handle complaints, concerns, inquiries and suggestions made by the Department's teen clients. The hotline can be contacted when a youth is having trouble with his/her assigned agency -- according to DCFS, the advocates working the hotline can help transfer a case from one agency to another, if doing so is in the client's best interest, and assist in obtaining services from the current agency. The phone number is 1-800-232-3798. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Youth Entitled to SSI Payments
DCFS wards over the age of 18 who are entitled to SSI payments may be eligible to receive those payments directly - instead of having the money sent to DCFS as the client's representative payee. To do so, the client must be over the age of 18 and must be capable of managing his/her own funds. The Social Security Administration determines whether or not a particular client is capable of managing his/her own funds. If you want information on whether or not you can receive direct payment of your Social Security funds, contact Ms. Jodi Biggs, DCFS children's accounts manager, at (217) 524-1976, or contact your GAL.

Introspect Program for DCFS Clients
Introspect is a program for DCFS clients only. The program is recommended for high school seniors and includes college, technical, and trade school tours, assistance with financial aid forms, and assistance with application packets. The caseworker must complete a DCFS Transition Services Referral Form. For information, ask your caseworker or contact the program at (773) 287-2290.

Placement of Youth Age 18 and over with Unrelated, Unlicensed Caregivers
Children over the age of 18 may be placed with unrelated, unlicensed caregivers, if the caregiver passes a safety check conducted by the child's caseworker. If the placement is approved after the safety check, the caregiver shall receive a monthly payment equal to what an unlicensed relative caregiver would receive. Contact your caseworker or GAL if you have questions. See DCFS Policy Guide 96.11.

Extending Medicare Eligibility
Wards age 18 and over who have their cases closed can, in some circumstances, have their Medicaid eligibility extended for one year. The medical card provided will cover any medical services covered by the Department of Public Aid. To be eligible, the DCFS ward must:

1. Live in Illinois;
2. Be under the age of nineteen;
3. have been returned to a parent from foster care

OR

1. Be living independently and therefore no longer requiring DCFS services.

The Medicaid eligibility will end when the child reaches the age of 19. After a child's case is closed, the youth is responsible for informing the Technical Support Unit at 1-800-228-6533 of any change of address. If you have questions about the program, speak with your caseworker or call the Technical Support Unit at the number above. See Policy Guide 2000.08.