Resources specifically for formed families

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative for housing

This federal program offers vouchers for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).  Eligibility includes youth at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age (have not reached their 25th birthday) who left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days.

  • Website, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative for housing

    FYI information from HUD

  • Website, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative for housing

    Information on FYI program from National Center for Housing and Child Welfare


Turning 18 fact sheets

These fact sheets for youth and young adults focus on critical actions, items and services that are important when a youth turns 18 years of age.

Produced as part of the WAZE to Adulthood project of the Parent Educational Advocacy and Training Center (PEATC). The fact sheet for youth in foster care was written by Formed Families Forward as part of an agreement with the WAZE project.

  • Factsheet, Turning 18 fact sheets

    Youth in Foster Care in Virginia - What Happens When You Turn 18 fact sheet

  • Factsheet, Turning 18 fact sheets

    Turning 18 in Virginia: A Resource Document for families

  • Factsheet, Turning 18 fact sheets

    Turning 18 in Virginia: A Resource Document for Military Families


IEP Transition Planning In Virginia: Tips To Know For Youth With IEPs Who Are In Foster Care
April 04, 2022

A product of the WAZE to Adulthood project, developed by Formed Families Forward. This fact sheet offers tips and best practices for implementing strong transition planning for youth and young adults with disabilities who are also in foster care. Virginia-specific policies and resources are provided.

Designed for parents, caregivers, professional partners and others.

  • Factsheet, IEP Transition Planning In Virginia: Tips To Know For Youth With IEPs Who Are In Foster Care


Being Involved in Person-Centered Planning for Students and Young Adults with Disabilities in Foster, Kinship or Adoptive Families

This fact sheet from FFF and the WAZE to Adulthood project, led by PEATC and supported by the US Rehabilitative Services Administration. It provides an overview of some common challenges to transition planning for this population and offers parents and caregivers suggestions and resources for supporting person-centered planning.

  • Factsheet, Being Involved in Person-Centered Planning for Students and Young Adults with Disabilities in Foster, Kinship or Adoptive Families

    Fact Sheet


What’s Next? Planning Transitions Through and After High School webinar

Broadcast on May 14, 2021, this FFF webinar reviewed data on youth with special needs in  foster, adoptive and kinship families and their outcomes. Content includes a review of special education transition planning requirements and a number of post-secondary programs and other resources for youth and young adults with disabilities and who have been in foster care.

 

  • Webinar, What’s Next? Planning Transitions Through and After High School webinar

    Webinar recording

  • PPT, What’s Next? Planning Transitions Through and After High School webinar

    Presentation slides


Internet Safety Tip Sheet for Parents and Caregivers

From Formed Families Forward, this tip sheet covers 10 tips for helping to keep children and youth safe online.

  • Factsheet, Internet Safety Tip Sheet for Parents and Caregivers


Raising and Working with Children and Youth in Foster Care or Living with Kin: Your Guide to Resources in Virginia

This Guide from Virginia Family Special Education Connection offers families and professionals links to state- and local-specific resources for enrolling students, education, medical care, mental health, transitioning students to post-secondary settings, courts, and other areas.

Updated Summer 2023

  • Website, Raising and Working with Children and Youth in Foster Care or Living with Kin: Your Guide to Resources in Virginia

    Website resource

  • Document, Raising and Working with Children and Youth in Foster Care or Living with Kin: Your Guide to Resources in Virginia

    Flyer


Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information on who is considered “Parent” for financial aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information on who is considered “Parent” for financial aid.

If you are considered a dependent student for FAFSA® purposes, you will need to provide information about your legal parent(s) on the application. A legal parent is your biological or adoptive parent, or your legal parent as determined by the state (for example, if the parent is listed on your birth certificate). If you have a stepparent currently married to your legal parent, you generally also must provide information about him or her.

  • Website, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information on who is considered “Parent” for financial aid

    More info and how to apply


Foster Care to Success

Foster Care to Success: America’s College Fund for Foster Youth.

All Foster Care to Success scholarships share one application; we will determine the program(s) for which you are eligible based on the information you provide.

  • Website, Foster Care to Success

    Foster Care to Success

  • Website, Foster Care to Success

    Apply here


Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents

Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents, a  fact sheet of Child Welfare Information Gateway

  • Guide, Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents


Great Expectations program

Great Expectations program for Virginia foster youth pursuing community college and other post-secondary education options.

  • Website, Great Expectations program


Services for Older Youth

Services for Older Youth, VDSS.  These include the Independent Living Program for youth 14 and older and education programs such as the Community College Tuition Grant and Education and Training Vouchers (ETV).

  • Website, Services for Older Youth


Project LIFE

Project LIFE, sponsored by Virginia Department of Social Services and United Methodist Family Services. The mission of Project Life is to enhance the successful transition of older foster youth to adulthood by a) increasing the capacity of professionals working with youth to engage in sound, evidence-based practices and b) by promoting permanent connections, effective preparation for transition to adulthood, and meaningful youth input into state and local policies and practices.

  • Website, Project LIFE