Foster Care to 21

Foster Care to 21 is a program in Washington State that allows up to 50 youth in foster care per year to stay in foster care after they turn 18 so that they can go to a college or vocational program.

This means, if you are accepted into the program, you will continue to get foster care placement, medical coverage, and agreed upon support services while you go to college or a vocational program up to the age of 21. (Your social worker can help you explore ways to pay for the college or vocational program).

If you are turning 18, graduating from high school or completing your GED and are interested in this program, please complete a “Foster Care to 21” application. Once your application is received, you will be notified by mail if you have been selected to be in the program. Selections will occur within 2 weeks of the important dates listed to the left.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Foster Care to 21 program if you will be graduating or have graduated from high school or received a GED certificate during the calendar year in which you are applying for the program and have you have been accepted, or are waiting to hear if you have been accepted, into college or a vocational program. For example, if you graduate in 2007 you need to apply for the program in 2007. If you graduated in 2006, you cannot apply for the program in 2007.

Not all youth who apply will be accepted into the program because it is limited to only 50 youth per year for the entire state.

Applying for the Program

To apply for the Foster Care to 21 program talk to your DSHS Children’s Administration social worker. Your social worker will help verify if you are eligible, and give you an application to fill out.

After you talk with your social worker and fill out your application, you must mail the application to:

Jim Pritchard
Children’s Administration Headquarters
PO Box 45710
1115 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504-5710

Once Children’s Administration receives your application, we will contact you and your social worker by mail and tell you if you are accepted into the program.

For more information about this program contact your DSHS Children’s Administration Social Worker.