Nobody should age out alone.

Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care

If you are 18 to 20 and have an open foster care case, or exited care at 18 or later, you can choose to stay connected. The program is voluntary. You decide when you are ready to end services.

You qualify if you:

• Are 18 to 20 years old
• Have an open foster care case or exited foster care at or after 18
• Are referred by MDHHS, or by a private agency with MDHHS approval
• Complete the application and questionnaire and sign a participation agreement
• Have, or want help finding, a safe living arrangement that meets agency standards

What you get:

• An independent living stipend
• A supportive team and 24-hour emergency assistance
• Referrals and help with employment, education, and medical needs
• Freedom to end services when you are ready

How it works: MDHHS sends a referral, we receive your packet, you complete the application and questionnaire, we meet to confirm eligibility, and you sign your agreement.

Independent living host homes

Host homes are adults who provide a room and mentorship to a teen preparing for independence. You do not need to be a licensed foster parent.

You qualify if you:

• Are financially stable and can show proof of income and current utility bills
• Have an approved living situation with a spare bedroom
• Can provide furniture, bedding, towels, and cooking and eating utensils
• Pass criminal and protective services clearances
• Can give the young person mail and telephone access
• Are not the young person’s birth parent

What you get:

• A daily room and board rate, paid biweekly
• A say in who is placed with you, with background and behavior discussed before placement
• Training, in-home orientation, and 24-hour telephone access to a social worker
• The young person’s financial needs supplemented by state payments

How it works: clearances are processed, we do an in-home orientation, review room and board and program expectations, and complete a home assessment to confirm the home is structurally safe and clean.

Get started

Young adults, host home applicants, and caseworkers use the same form. Choose your role and we route it to the right person. You can also call (888) 625-8669.

Program statements: Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care and Foster Care Licensing.