Chafee Foster Care Independence Program

In collaboration with the North Dakota Department of Human Services PATH provides, Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP), a youth-centered, future-oriented program for eligible youth 16 and older that provides skills and knowledge, and supports in their transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency.

When referring youth, what forms go to the Chafee Independent Living (IL) Coordinator?
• Chafee Current Foster Care Youth (CFCY) Referral Form
• Multi-Agency Authorization to Disclose Information

Note: CFCIP will serve youth based on priority status defined in foster care state policy 624-10.

General Flex Funds

What are General Flex Funds?
Money used to provide non-housing related goods or services on behalf of a youth participant. Examples: Employment Uniform, Drivers education class, Necessary auto repairs.

Who is eligible?
• Foster care youth ages 16-21
• Youth actively participating in CFCIP
• Youth who have a current Independent Living Plan

How much?
Up to $250 per youth each year

Reminder: Youth are not entitled to CFCIP funding. All funds are dependent on availability.

Chafee Education and Training Voucher

What is an Education and Training Voucher (ETV)?
Monetary support to meet the education and training needs of foster care youth.

Who is eligible?
• Youth who have aged out of foster care
• Youth who remain in care, past age 18
• Youth who have not reached age 21
• Youth in foster care for at least 12 months
• Youth who were adopted from foster care or entered kinship guardianship after age 16, and who are not yet age 21
• Youth who participate in this voucher program on their 21st birthday remain eligible until they turn 23, as long as they are enrolled and making progress toward completing their post-secondary education program

Up to $5,000/year and $20,000 lifetime max

Chafee Room and Board Flex Funds

What are Room and Board Flex Funds?
Money used to assist youth with rent, deposits, and utilities. These funds are intended to help youth get moved into permanent housing and not to prolong dependency.

Who is eligible?
• Youth who have aged out of foster care
• Youth ages 18-21
• Youth actively participating in CFCIP
• Youth who have a current Independent Living Plan

How much?
Up to $1000 lifetime Max

Reminder: Youth are not entitled to CFCIP funding. All funds are dependent on availability.

National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) collects data from current and foster care alumni to help advance the foster care systems across the nation. North Dakota encourages youth to participate and offer personal insight as they age out of care.

NYTD Surveys:
• Youth ages, 17, 19 and 21 may be asked to complete a short survey to track outcomes and in hopes to improve foster care services
• When youth exit care, they are encouraged to provide an email, mailing address and phone number to their case manager or PATH Chafee IL Coordinator
• Incentives will be provided to youth who are surveyed

For further information please contact:
Kelsey Bless, State Chafee Independent Living Administrator
701-328-4934