Are you turning 18 and want to stay in your current placement with your foster parents for a few more years? Headed off to college and need help with room and board? Are you working toward living on your own but think you might need a little extra support for a few more years? The Virginia Department of Social Services recognizes that your peers who are not in foster care are more likely to be able to stay at home and have additional supports into early adulthood, and wants to offer you that kind of support too.

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Fostering Futures is a foster care program available to teens and young adults in foster care after they turn 18. This voluntary program allows your local department of social services (LDSS) to provide you with financial and social support and services until you are 21 years old. It can cover things like housing (with your foster parents, room and board at school, or supervised independent living when you are ready), education and/or job training assistance, and other independent living needs specifically for you.

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What can it cover?

Housing Support

› Continued placement with your foster parents if you decide to remain in their home, or

› Room and board if you enroll in a vocational school/college, or

› Rent or payment for an independent living arrangement when you are ready.

Education/Vocation Assistance

› Assistance with the costs of vocational training,

college tuition, work uniforms, tools, computers,

books, and related supplies.

Independent Living Needs

› Groceries, transportation, and clothing.

› Child care and other supports, as needed, to help you be successful.

› Support from a foster care worker to help you along the way.