If you are aging out of the foster care system in Arizona, several organizations offer support and resources to help you transition to independence. Here are some key programs and services available:
1. Fostering Advocates Arizona (FAAZ)
FAAZ provides comprehensive support and resources for youth aging out of foster care, including:
- Independent Living Program (ILP): Offers life skills training, education support, and financial assistance for youth transitioning out of foster care.
- Keys to Success Program: Provides career development services, employment assistance, and educational support. This program helps youth set career goals, find employment, and access higher education opportunities (Fostering Advocates Arizona) (Foster Arizona).
- Education and Training Voucher (ETV): Financial assistance for post-secondary education and training programs (Fostering Advocates Arizona) (Fostering Advocates Arizona).
2. Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS)
The DCS offers several programs to support youth transitioning to adulthood:
- Extended Foster Care Program: Allows youth to remain in foster care until age 21, providing continued support and services.
- LifeSet Program: Aims to provide intensive support to young adults aging out of foster care, helping them achieve stability and self-sufficiency (Arizona Department of Child Safety) (Arizona Department of Child Safety).
- Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP): Offers housing and support services for young adults transitioning out of foster care (Arizona Department of Child Safety).
3. Hope House of Arizona
Hope House provides a range of services to support former foster youth, including:
- Transitional Housing (HOPE180): Offers safe and stable housing for young adults transitioning out of foster care.
- Job Training Programs (J.A.G.): Provides job readiness training and employment support (hopehouseaz).
4. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF)
AFFCF offers various programs to help foster youth transition to adulthood, such as:
- Keys to Success Program: Focuses on career development, education, and employment for foster youth, providing ongoing support to help them achieve their goals (AZ Foster Friends) (Foster Arizona).
5. iFoster Jobs Program
iFoster partners with employers to provide job training and employment opportunities for transition-age foster youth. The program helps youth gain stable, well-paid career opportunities and offers additional resources like housing stability and transportation (iFoster).
Additional Resources
- Arizona@Work: Provides job training, career counseling, and employment services tailored to underserved communities, including foster youth (Fostering Advocates Arizona).
- UMOM New Day Centers: Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services for homeless youth and families (Arizona Department of Child Safety).
These organizations and programs are dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of transitioning out of foster care and achieving independence. For more information and assistance, visit their websites or contact them directly.
