Below, please read the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services that includes details on the $4 million in finds available to support foster care youth impacted by COVID-19. This press release was also picked up by Nevada Business Magazine and Carson Now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 10, 2021
CONTACT: Karla Delgado, Public Information Officer
(775) 684-4453; kdelgado@dcfs.nv.gov
$4 million in Funds Available to Support Foster Care Youth Impacted by COVID-19
Carson City, NV — Young people between 14 and 26 years old, who are currently or were previously in foster care in any state, are eligible for time-limited COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. The federal Consolidated Appropriation Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020 and provides additional funds and flexibilities for young people living in Nevada. The State has been awarded about $4 million in John H. Chafee Foster Care Program funds to be distributed to individuals throughout the state.
The Nevada Division of Child and Family Services is encouraging former foster youth to contact the child welfare representative in their area to see if they are eligible for the COVID-19 pandemic relief funds or the opportunity to re-enter foster care. Youth who left foster care between January 27, 2020, and April 20, 2021, may be eligible to re-enter foster care. For eligible young people who do not wish to re-enter foster care, financial assistance may be available. Some of the assistance that former foster care youth may receive are funds to cover basic needs, rent, utilities, food, childcare, transportation, access to technology, and education/employment support.
“As an alumni of Nevada’s foster care system, I understand how important this support is for youth in, and transitioning out of, the foster care system,” said DaShun Jackson, Director of Children’s Safety and Welfare Policy at The Children’s Advocacy Alliance. “Nevada’s foster youth already face significant burdens, battles, challenges, and this pandemic has exacerbated these issues. With this support, the literal lives of young people can be changed!”
As a result of the additional funding, there is an increase from $5,000 to $12,000 per academic year to support education and vocational needs through the Education Training Voucher (ETV) program. ETV provides financial assistance to attend college, university, vocational or technical school to those who experienced foster care. The increased funding is available until September 30, 2022.
If you believe you may be eligible or want more information regarding available services and changes, please contact your local representative:
- Clark County (Las Vegas and surrounding area): DFSIndependentliving@clarkcountynv.gov
- Washoe County (Reno and surrounding area): vwelsh@washoecounty.us
- All other counties: belinda@carson-family.org or (775) 884-2269
For more information regarding the ETV program please contact Cynthia Carstairs from The Children’s Cabinet at ccarstairs@childrenscabinet.org or (775) 856-0155
For more information about the Consolidated Appropriation Act and specifically the child welfare provisions please visit the Children’s Bureau website.
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