Youth in Transition, (Michigan's name for Chafee
) is a funding source available to cover expenses NOT covered by other government
or community resources, or to augment or supplement services from other
funding sources. |
| Eligibility Requirements |
- Michigan youths who are active in the foster
care system, placed out of their home based on abuse and neglect,
starting at age 14 and up to age 21.
- Michigan youth, ages 18 to 21, that have been
in foster care on or after their 14th birthday but are no longer
under DHS supervision.
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| Where to Apply |
- A youth with an open case can access funds through
his/her foster care case manager.
- A youth with a closed case must apply for closed
case services (YIT) in the current county of residence through
the local DHS office.
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| Covered YIT expenses include |
| Daily Living Skills |
- Cooking.
- Laundry.
- Use of community resources.
- Public transportation system.
- Money management and budgeting.
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| Transportation |
- Other transportation expenses not covered by
another source - medical appointments, counseling, youth group
participation and driver's training (for temporary wards).
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| Mentorship |
- Mentorships and family connection services if
the youth is not covered by foster care family reunification services.
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| Parenting Skills |
- Parenting skills/classes.
- Day care costs not covered by FIP (but not denied
due to noncompliance) for working teen parents and/or teen parents
in educational/vocational programs.
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| Employment Services |
- Career exploration.
- Job training.
- Job placement and retention.
- Training in job-readiness skills such as interviewing,
developing a resume, and job retention.
- Job related supports.
- Uniforms.
- Tools.
- Transportation.
- Apprentice fees.
- Safety clothing.
- Equipment.
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| Educational Support |
- Assistance in obtaining a high school diploma,
vocational training, and post secondary education (college/trade
school).
- Tutoring services.
- Vocational placement.
- Career planning.
- College resources.
- GED preparation and testing.
- Educational testing and assessments.
- Senior Pictures.
- Educational supports:
- Special tuition.
- Books.
- Transportation.
- Assistance in accessing Pell Grants, Tuition
Incentive Program (TIP)1 (888) 4-GRANTS, student loans, scholarships,
and the Educational Training Voucher (ETV) (for information
on this scholarship go to www.michigan.gov/dhs or call (517)
241-8904.
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| Drivers Education |
- Funding sources are available for driver's education,
fees for driver's license, and state id.
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| Graduation Expenses |
Funding sources are available for graduation expenses
- Senior Class Ring - limited up to $100.
- Tuxedo rentals and dress purchases for senior
prom - up to $100.
- Senior cap and gown rental, announcements - up
to a total of $100.
- Senior pictures .
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| Physical and Mental Health
Services |
- Preventive health services - smoking avoidance,
substance abuse prevention, nutrition, pregnancy prevention, personal
hygiene, etc.
- Counseling.
- Providing personal and emotional support for
the youth if he/she is aging out of foster care, including the
use of mentors and other dedicated adults.
- Individual or group counseling for the youth
if he/she is receiving closed case services only.
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| Relationship Building Skills |
- Classes or groups on interpersonal communication/relationship
building and maintenance and Independent Living Skills.
- Coordination and connection between associated
support people and the youth with various and appropriate community
agencies and services.
- Membership in community organizations which would
promote/support the youth with transitioning to independent living,
i.e., YMCA/YWCA, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
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| Housing |
- Assistance in locating a suitable living arrangement.
- First month's rent, security deposits, and utility
deposits, up to $1,000 deposit if the youth is age 18 to 21, is
leaving foster care or has left foster care because he/she has
attained 18 or 19 years of age, and has not attained 21 years
of age.
- Start up goods up to a total of $1,000:
- Food
- Personal attire and/or hygiene.
- Grooming supplies.
- Household cleaning supplies.
- Basic household furniture.
- Household utensils/tools.
- Linens.
- Household record keeping and accounting needs,
etc.
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