Transitioning Youth to Adulthood

AMP is a youth-driven, statewide group that seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive children in Iowa. AMP offers leadership opportunities, service learning projects, speaking opportunities, and educational/vocational assistance. AMP also provides the life skills youth need to become self-sufficient, independent adults.
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Voluntary services and support offered through the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) are designed to help youth leaving a court-ordered placement by using a strength-based approach to: ensure basic needs are met, identify sources of social and emotional support, make connections to community resources, set goals and develop plans, increase knowledge and develop skills. Participants meet at least twice monthly with a Self-Sufficiency Advocate (SSA), who partners with youth to help them address barriers and develop skills to achieve their individual goals. In addition, needs-based monthly financial support is available to youth who qualify for the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program.

Aftercare Services should be contacted several months prior to a young person’s planned exit from the foster care system. Aftercare SSAs are available to attend Family Team Decision-Making meetings, transition meetings, or other events related to a young person’s transition from care. Involvement prior to discharge helps SSAs build a relationship with eligible youth and facilitates a connection to Aftercare services.

For more information regarding Aftercare services and eligibility requirements visit http://www.iowaaftercare.org or call 800-443-8336 to be referred to an IASN provider.

Joanie Havel, Aftercare Coordinator
Youth Policy Institute of Iowa
7025 Hickman Road, Suite 4 - Urbandale, IA 50322
515-727-4220
jhavel@ypii.org

The purpose of Expanded Medicaid for Independent Young Adults (E-MIYA) program is to provide continued health coverage to young adults transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

E-MIYA Eligibility Definitions - E-MIYA currently provides Medicaid coverage to eligible youth who are:

• Living in Iowa,
• Under age 26,
• Who were in an Iowa foster care placement and receiving Iowa Medicaid when they turned age 18.
  

Youth covered under the E-MIYA program receive physical, dental, and mental health coverage. Youth covered by the E-MIYA program receive covered services through existing Medicaid provider networks. For this program annual eligibility determination is required. If you are exiting foster care, your case manager will assist ensuring your health care coverage continues. If you find you do not have coverage, you may apply via an application on the HHS website. For more information about benefits or to apply for coverage, visit: https://dhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal

AMP has funds available for teens (age 14 and older) in foster care. This special grant can be accessed through AMP's F$ster Funds Program. These grants will be available for up to $500 per youth for items such as: extracurricular activities, educational tutoring, senior photos, prom attire, class rings, camps, etc. This funding is for all teens (14 years and older) in a foster care placement including shelter, foster family homes, group care, & supervised apartment living. To apply for this special funding, please complete a F$ ster Funds APPLICATION

"On Your Own" is a website that provides valuable legal information for teens and young adults. When you turn 18 years old, you are now a "legal" adult. You can now vote, make contracts, and be registered for Selective Service. But you will also be treated as an adult in court. So you need to understand, respect, and obey the law. This website lists some of the many laws/legal issues that you need to understand. It is important to remember that if you find yourself in trouble there is help available. You are not alone.

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