Youth in Transition Funding

Youth in Transition Funding is sponsored by State of Michigan (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services). Michigan's Youth in Transition (YIT) funding is available to cover expenses related to the development of self-sufficiency for youth who experienced out-of-home care after the age of 14 and have not yet reached age 23.

Youth in Transition, (Michigan's name for Federal Chafee funding) is a funding source available to cover expenses related to the development of self-sufficiency for youth who experienced out of home care after the age of 14 and have not yet reached age 23. Eligible expenses must not be covered by any other government or community resources. **Eligibility Requirements****Where to Apply** 1.

Michigan youth who are active in the foster care system, placed out of their home based on abuse and neglect, starting at age 14 and up to age 23. 2. Michigan youth, ages 18 to 23, that have been in foster care on or after their 14th birthday but are no longer under MDHHS/Tribal supervision.

3. A youth who has or had an open juvenile justice case and is placed in an eligible placement under the supervision of MDHHS. 1.

A youth with an open case can access funds through his/her foster care case manager. 2. A youth with a closed case must apply for closed case services (YIT) in the current county of residence through thelocal MDHHS office.

3. A tribal youth who was or is only supervised by a tribal court may contact MDHHS at (517) 373-9219. **Covered YIT expenses include** **Daily Living Skills****Transportation** * Use of community resources.

* Public transportation system. * Money management and budgeting. * Transportation for educational or employment purposes.

* Bus or gas cards when needed for activity related to self-sufficiency. * Medical, including counseling transportation (closed case services only). * Vehicle purchase if county allocation allows - $5,000.

00 maximum limit. * Vehicle repair - not to exceed $900. 00.

* Vehicle Insurance - Lifetime Limit 6 months. **Mentorship****Parenting Skills** * Family connection services if the youth is not covered by foster care family reunification services. * Parenting skills/classes.

**Employment Services****Educational Support / Pre-college** * Job placement and retention. * Training in job-readiness skills such as interviewing, developing a resume, and job retention. * Interview clothing maximum of $250.

00. * Tutoring services. * GED preparation and testing.

* Educational testing and assessments. * Books and supplies for specialized classes. * School sponsored educational field trips.

* College applications up to $150. 00 * SAT/ACT preparation classes. * YIT funding can not be used for post secondary education expenses for students who are receiving ETV funding.

**Graduation Expenses****Computer/Tablet/Laptop** Funding sources are available for graduation expenses 2. Tuxedo rentals and dress purchases for senior prom - up to $100. 6.

Yearbook. * Computer and accessories - maximum lifetime limit of $1500. 00.

*YIT funding can not be used for post secondary education expenses for students who are receiving ETV funding. **Physical and Mental Health Services** * Preventive health services - smoking avoidance, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, pregnancy prevention, personal hygiene, etc. if not covered by Medicaid or other health insurance. * Individual or group counseling for the youth if he/she is receiving closed case services only.

**Relationship Building Skills** * Classes or groups on interpersonal communication/relationship building and maintenance and Independent Living Skills. * Coordination and connection between associated support people and the youth with various and appropriate community agencies and services.

* Membership in community organizations which would promote/support the youth with transitioning to independent living, i.e., YMCA/YWCA, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters. * Assistance in locating a suitable living arrangement. * First month's rent, security deposits, and utility deposits for youth ages 18 to 23 who turned 18 in out of home care.

There is a lifetime limit of$1,500. * Start up goods for youth ages 18 to 23 who turned 18 in out of home care. There is a lifetime limit of $1,000 for the youth's start-up goods and an additional $500 lifetime limit for youth who are pregnant or parenting to access parenting start-up goods.

* Household cleaning supplies. * Basic household furniture. * Household utensils/tools.

* Household record keeping and accounting needs, etc. Source: Department of Health & Human Services Policy and Procedures Manuals,Children's Foster Care Section 950.