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Transition Resources

IOWA AFTERCARE SERVICES NETWORK

You're about to age out of foster care ... so now what? Entering adulthood means making lots of decisions, and it can be a tough time. The Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) is available to help young adults who have experienced foster care move toward stability and self-sufficiency in five key areas: education, employment, housing, health and relationships.

The IASN is a group of 9 organizations across the state of Iowa that have come together to support youth who have aged out of foster care.  An average of 450 young people age-out of foster care in Iowa every year. Without intervention, these young adults are at high risk for poor outcomes, including homelessness, unemployment, crime, and poverty. IASN services are designed to help youth successfully transition from foster care to adulthood by providing encouragement, stability, guidance, and the opportunity to a build a positive future.

Pre-Planning Services. Youth who have experienced foster care can begin preparing to enter Aftercare Services several months prior to leaving foster care or any time after aging out. Youth can meet with Advocates to begin building relationships and learn more about Aftercare and PAL programs. Call 800.443.8336 to be referred.

* Foster care includes but is not limited to group care, family foster care, shelters, and relative placement. Call aftercare for verification of eligibility.
 

DHS Transition Planning Specialists   CLICK HERE

Iowa Aftercare home page   CLICK HERE

Iowa Aftercare Services Network fact sheet - eligibility    CLICK HERE 

Iowa Aftercare Services Network Application form     CLICK HERE

Instructions for Completing the CLSA - Casey Life Skill Assessment

Casey Life Skills Learning Cycle

Employment Assistance for youth aged 14-21

DHS Online Application for State of Iowa Services

Workforce Investment Act Information sheet - WIA program   CLICK HERE

Medicaid for Young Adults information sheet - MIYA     CLICK HERE

Expanded Medicaid for youth aging out of foster care - Fact sheet on E-MIYA    CLICK HERE

Affordable Care Act Medical Insurance online (How to help sheet) - E-MIYA     CLICK HERE  

Apply for E-MIYA (Medicaid insurance for youth to age 26)   CLICK HERE

Food Assistance Application -    CLICK HERE
 

STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES

State Laws and Rules Governing Transition Services in Iowa

Iowa Code: Preparation for Adult Living
The Iowa Legislature authorized the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program in 2006. This program provides for monthly financial support to young people who age out of foster care up to their 21st birthday, as long as they are either working or attending post-secondary education or training.

Iowa Administrative Rules – Aftercare and PAL
Rules governing the Aftercare and PAL programs provide additional guidance on the administration of these programs, including eligibility requirements and service provision.

Iowa Code: All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grants
Iowa Administrative Rules – All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant
Iowa Code and rules authorizing financial assistance for post-secondary education for young people who age out of foster care.

Iowa Administrative Rules – Rent Subsidy Program
Rules governing the Aftercare rent subsidy program which provides assistance to qualifying aftercare participants to offset the cost of housing.

Federal Laws Impacting Transitioning Youth

Foster Care Independence Act of 1999
The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, often referred to as the Chafee Act, provided States with increased funding and greater flexibility in carrying out programs designed to help children make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. A portion of Iowa’s Chafee allocation is contracted to the Iowa Aftercare Services Network to provide services to 18 to 21 year olds who age out of care.

Education and Training Vouchers
The Chafee Act was amended in 2002 to authorize a voucher program to provide financial assistance for post-secondary training and education to youth who have aged out of foster care or who have left foster care after age 16 for kinship guardianship or adoption.

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
The Fostering Connections Act made extensive changes to federal child welfare laws. Among those affecting older youth are provisions to improve education stability and to extend Chafee services to youth who leave foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption after age 16. The Act also permits States to extend title IV-E assistance to youth remaining in foster care after reaching age 18 up to age 21. Also see www.fosteringconnetions.org for more information on this Act.