Extended Foster Care & the Road to Success
COVID-19 Letter to RTS Clients
Extended Foster Care is a law enacted by the 2013 Florida Legislature and managed locally through the Road to Success program. The program allows youth to remain in foster care beyond their 18th birthday and gives them the flexibility they need to transition into adulthood at a pace that suits their individual circumstances. Thanks to the Extended Foster Care law, youth now have three choices when they turn 18: They can enter extended care via the My Future, My Choice program, decline extended care but opt for postsecondary educational services or leave foster care, entirely.
My Future, My Choice
“My Future, My Choice” gives youth the option to remain in care until they turn 21, or - if they are enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution - receive financial assistance as they continue pursuing academic and career goals. In extended foster care, young adults will continue to receive case management services and other support to provide them with a sound platform for success as independent adults.
Eligible youth must be in school or pursing a GED, or working at least 80 hours per month or in job training. Exceptions apply to youth who have a disability that prevents them from working or attending school. Youth in the program can live with a foster parent, in a group home, apartment or dorm. Benefits include assistance with education and living expenses and resources to empower a young adult’s life.
Postsecondary Educational Services & Support
Postsecondary educational services and support is available to youth ages 18 to 23 who want to pursue post-secondary education. Youth receive a monthly stipend to help pay for expenses and must be enrolled at least nine hours per semester in college or vocational school.
Permanency at a Glance
Please click the link below to view the Casey Family Program’s Permanency at a Glance, Implications for access to independent living services for Florida youth achieving permanency. As you will see, youth in Florida can pursue permanency through adoption and still receive a tuition waiver, Medicaid and other support services.
View document here.
