The Child Welfare Housing Program provides access to housing vouchers, rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management supports for families with a child who is dependent or at risk for foster care when the families housing instability is a factor or barrier to reunification.
Services are provided by community-based organizations under contract with DCYF. The goal of the CWHP is to prevent the need for foster care placement and shorten the length of time that children remain in out-of-home care when placement is necessary. These services are provided in conjunction with federal housing vouchers provided by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) through the Family Unification Program (FUP). Families eligible for CWHP assistance may also be eligible for a voucher, however, additional PHA restrictions may apply. CWHP providers can assist families in applying for a housing voucher, where available.
Referrals may be made by a DCYF caseworker, an attorney, guardian ad litem, parent ally, Office of Public Defense social worker, or the court.