Transitioning Youth
We are dedicated to empowering young adults as they navigate the transition from foster care to independence.
✺ Supporting You Every Step of the Way
✺ Supporting You Every Step of the Way
We understand that this journey can be daunting, but with our range of supportive programs, including extended foster care, post-secondary education support, and aftercare services, we're here to provide the guidance and resources you need to succeed.
Contact us at Transitioningyouth@citrusfcn.com or via phone at 305-455-6286.
Aged out of Foster Care? Start here:
Looking for housing or need support? Help is available:
Apply for Homeless Prevention / Homeless Rapid-Rehousing Assistance by calling the Homeless Helpline: Call 1-877-994-HELP.
Educate Tomorrow Helpline (for young adults 24 and under): Call 305-374-3751.
General Services and Resources: Dial 211.
County Support: Call 311.
In an Emergency? Text, call, or chat with 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Youth and Young Adult Helpline
Educate Tomorrow and the Homeless Trust's helpline for youth and young adults is now live in English, Spanish, and Creole. Call (877) 994-4357, Monday through Friday, 9AM - 5PM.
NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine
Text "Friend" to 62640 to connect instantly with a HelpLine Specialist trained to provide resources, information, and support. For mental health questions, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET.
In need of legal help?
Download the following app to get information on more benefits, protections, and legal rights in foster care.
The content in this app is legal information and not legal advice. If you need legal advice on your specific situation, you should contact a lawyer. DISCLAIMER: This app is not created or sponsored by us, but it is a helpful resource.
Transitioning Youth Programs
We respect your autonomy, and participation in any of our programs is entirely voluntary. You have the option to opt out if a program doesn't feel like the right fit for you. If you decide to leave but later find that you need support again,
you're always welcome to reapply for re-entry.
Extended Foster Care (EFC)
The Extended Foster Care (EFC) program provides a valuable safety net for current and former foster youth who turned 18 while in the Department’s legal custody. It allows youth aged 18 to 21 (or up to 22 for those with documented disabilities) to remain in or return to licensed foster care or a supervised living arrangement approved by Citrus FCN. Through this program, participants receive continued case management services, court oversight, room and board, and other essential resources to support their successful transition into independent adulthood.
Post-secondary Education Services and Support (PESS)
The Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) program offers financial assistance to former foster youth pursuing college or vocational education. To qualify, you must have turned 18 while in the Department’s custody or been adopted after 14, spent at least six months in foster care, earned a high school diploma or equivalent, and be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours (unless a documented disability prevents full-time attendance). PESS provides a monthly stipend for housing and utilities and ongoing transitional and financial planning support until age 23 or until you complete your degree.
Education Training Voucher (ETV)
The ETV (Education and Training Voucher) program offers financial support for post-secondary education and training to young adults who have aged out of foster care or left foster care after turning 16 for guardianship or adoption. Participants can use this assistance to attend both part-time and full-time programs at schools not listed under Florida Bright Futures.
After Care Services
Our Aftercare Services program provides temporary support to help you transition to independence or become eligible for Extended Foster Care (EFC), Postsecondary Education Supports and Services (PESS), Extended Maintenance Adoption Subsidy (EMAS), or Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP). Services include mentoring, mental health counseling, job training, life skills classes, and temporary financial assistance for essentials like security deposits and utility bills. To qualify, you must have turned 18 in the Department’s custody or spent at least six months in foster care after age 14, and apply before your 23rd birthday. Eligibility ends when you turn 23 or meet program requirements.
Remember, you can't be enrolled in more than one TYS program at a time.
We're here to help you find the support that's right for you as you navigate the journey to independence.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to us today.
The Citrus Family Care Network Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Composed of youth aged 13 and above who are currently or were previously in foster care in Miami-Dade or Monroe Counties.
The main goals of the YAC include providing recommendations, input, and feedback to enhance or support Citrus FCN and its Youth Services Department, as well as offering suggestions to improve the delivery of services within the child welfare system. Additionally, the council conducts outreach in the community to aid Citrus FCN's efforts in recruiting foster and adoptive parents. Anyone from the community can nominate a youth to participate in the YAC, and self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
LGBTQIA+ Support
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Latinos Salud offers the Health and Support Services Pride Scholarship, a renewable $5,000 award for members of the LGBTQ/A+ community pursuing higher education in helping professions such as nursing, social work, psychology, or public health. The scholarship is open to LGBTQ/A+ high school seniors and continuing undergraduate or graduate students intending to work in South Florida upon graduation. Selection criteria include academic performance, financial need, commitment to community well-being, and a desire to address health disparities within the LGBTQ/A+ population.
https://www.latinossalud.org/pridescholarship1
For LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support, advocacy, or community resources:
Survivor's Pathway
To learn more about initiatives within the community, click here. To report a hate crime in Miami, call the dedicated hotline at 786-687-2566.
Vital Documents
