The Adolescent Programs team is working diligently with youth, stakeholders and other community partners to provide information on resources available for adolescents impacted by COVID-19 and working to adjust policies to ensure the continued stability of youth in our care.
- dcyf.adolescentprograms@dcyf.wa.gov - For resource and program-related questions
- 2-1-1.org - For community-specific information, dial 211
Adolescent Programs
| Adolescent Program | Contact |
|---|---|
| Education Training Voucher | email Kathy Ramsay |
| Career Connected Pathways | email Victoria Ackerman |
| Youth Empowerment | email Peggy Lewis |
| Emerging Adulthood | email Sherrie Flores |
| Adolescent Housing | email Greg Williamson |
| K-12 Education | email Shanna McBride |
| Missing and Exploited Youth | email Cameron Norton |
| Missing and Exploited Youth Liaison | email Judy Johnston |
| Missing and Exploited Youth Liaison | email Mabel Elsom |
| Adolescent Prevention | email Cole Ketcherside |
| Extended Foster Care | email Chris McLaughlin |
Extended Foster Care
Eligibility for Extended Foster Care (EFC) has been extended to Sept. 30, 2021, for youth that aged out of the program.
Temporary Program Changes to EFC
On Friday, Jan. 29, 2020, Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 21-02: Extended Eligibility for Foster Care Services. The proclamation ensures that DCYF can follow the federal regulations in the new federal stimulus bill. DCYF’s section of the bill, Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act, provides additional assistance to youth for the time period of Jan. 27, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021.
- Extended Foster Care Extension Fact Sheet
- Guidance for Youth on Entering or Re-Entering Extended Foster Care
Housing Support for Extended Foster Care Youth
Temporary
The Department of Commerce: Office of Homeless Youth allocated $1 million in CARES Act funding to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to provide stipends to young adults who will age out or have aged out of Extended Foster Care (EFC) at age 21, between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020. Read more about the eviction and rent assistance that is available.
Ongoing
Additionally, up to $3,500 is available to youth in Extended Foster Care (EFC) who are transitioning to a Supervised Independent Living Setting (SILS). The funds are available prior to the move, or up to 90 days beyond verified move-in date. These funds can go towards:
- First and last month’s rent
- Deposit to get into a SILS placement
- Basic household items
- Utility deposits
- Preventing eviction with a current notice of back rent owed
- Assistance with rental payments due to a loss of employment/reduction in work hours from the COVID-19 pandemic
These funds can be accessed multiple times if needed up to a lifetime amount of $3,500.
Accessing Funds
Please contact your regional EFC program lead for assistance with accessing funds.
| Regional Leads | Phone |
|---|---|
| emailJoshua Koutecky, Region 1 | (509) 413-7106 |
| email Chris McLaughlin, Region 2 | (509) 731-9946 |
| email Cyndi Black, Region 3 email Sarah Shaffer, Region 3 Co-Lead |
(360) 631-1333 (360) 399-9842 |
| email Donnna LaFrance, Region 4 | (206) 639-6207 |
| email Laneta Able, Region 5 | (253) 306-2117 |
| email Lori VanClifford, Region 6 | (360) 827-2471 |
| email Chris McLaughlin, HQ | (509) 731-9946 |
Education
K-12
Many families are talking about “home schooling” their children, however, this requires a release and unenrollment of the student from their district and, according to 4302a DCYF Education Planning Policy, regional DCYF approval and court order. Enrolling a student in a home school program could also cause a student to lose school of origin, so when schools reopen this may lead to additional school changes.
OSPI and the school districts are supporting distance learning – instruction provided remotely through the child’s school district. Each school district is doing this differently and families should refer to their district’s webpage for guidance and available tech support.
Treehouse
Treehouse Education Advocates and Graduation Success Specialist are still supporting children and youth. Eligibility and contact information is available on the Treehouse website.
OSPI
The OSPI COVID-19 response page provides resources on continued learning, meal programs, graduation, IEPs, special education services and services provided during school closure.
Post-Secondary Education
Washington Student Achievement Council has also provided COVID-19 resources for graduating seniors and post-secondary students.
Employment
Youth should apply for unemployment as soon as their hours are reduced or they are released from employment.
- Employment Security Department
- For workers and businesses affected by COVID-19
- COVID-19 scenarios and benefits
Utility Assistance
- Washington Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can assist with energy bills, client conservation education, furnace repair/replacement and weatherization.
- Youth should contact their energy/gas provider to see if there are changes to the billing process (waiving late fees, payment plans, change billing date, etc.) The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission provides links to different service providers.
Food
There are many local food banks all around the state. A quick internet search will provide a list of local services.
- SNAP benefits help low-income individuals meet basic food needs. You can apply for food assistance online or at your local Community Services Office
- Food Lifeline Statewide Hunger Relief Network
- Northwest Harvest Statewide Hunger Relief Network
- Washington Food Pantries
- Community Action Agencies
Available Technology
- One Simple Wish is providing laptops for eligible students.
- Coordinated Care health plan recipients (youth who were dependent in foster care at age 18) is providing cell phones. Safelink is also offering COVID-19 related phone programs.
- School districts are checking out computers and hotspots to enrolled (or previously enrolled) students. Community colleges offer similar programs. Contact your local school or community college and ask for the technology office or help desk.
- Lifeline Program provides free and discounted phones for low-income eligible WA residents.
- Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to COVID-19 emergency measures.
Drive-In WiFi Hotspots
- The Washington State Broadband Office has a map of hundreds of free drive-in WiFi hotspots in communities all over the state.
COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments
Find out if you qualify for government stimulus payments, how to get a payment and additional answers on the Youth Engaged 4 Change website.
FAQs
Answers will be updated as new guidance and information becomes available.
Extended Foster Care
DCYF does not anticipate a need to modify or issue emergency orders to make sure eligible youth can enter into EFC. To ensure continuity in enrolling or remaining in EFC, guidance has been sent to DCYF EFC regional leads to interpret requirements broadly and make services readily available.
Yes. To ensure continuity in enrolling or remaining in EFC, guidance has been sent to DCYF EFC regional leads to interpret requirements broadly and make services readily available.
Education and Technology Needs
We are currently working on developing additional resources to help youth in foster care access technology resources. At the moment, we do not have funds that can be used for this purpose, but we are diligently working to find solutions.