AMES – The Iowa Aftercare Services Network, serving youth who have aged out of foster care, has extended services for an additional two years, up to age 23. More than 100 young adults have already benefited from this age extension since the change became effective.
Aftercare is designed to help youth successfully transition into adulthood following their foster care experience. Trained self-sufficiency advocates assist young adults pursue education, find employment, secure safe housing, manage physical and emotional health care, learn life skills, and develop healthy relationships. Qualified participants are also eligible to receive a monthly stipend of up to $600.
Extended Aftercare allows qualified participants over the age of 21, whose situations may have changed due to the economic impact of COVID-19, to connect with aftercare for support and assistance. It is one more way aftercare helps this at-risk group continue moving forward on a path of stability and self-sufficiency.
“The additional support and the extension come at a critical time when this already at-risk population may be experiencing additional challenges from the effects of the pandemic,” said Andrew Allen, president and chief executive officer of YSS, the agency that leads the aftercare network. “It is more important than ever that transition-age youth get connected with support.”
The Iowa Aftercare Services Network is a voluntary program that provides services to eligible youth who have aged out of foster care statewide. Aftercare was launched in 2002 following the death of Reggie Kelsey, who in 2001 aged out of foster care and within months was found dead in the Des Moines river. This tragedy raised awareness of the challenges facing young adults as they age out of the foster care system. It was also the motivation for “Reggie’s Sleepout”, an annual event to raise awareness and funds to address youth homelessness in Iowa.
“I don’t think I would be the person I am now,” said Elmer, age 20 and a participant in Aftercare. “My advocate guides me and is very good about pushing me to use the tools Aftercare provides and is always there for me if I need it.”
Aftercare self-sufficiency advocates offer critical emotional support to a population who may not have a reliable system to help them as they exit their foster care experience.
“The advocate is really a support, a source to make referrals, a source to provide guidance and advice, and a cheerleader for the youth as they are making their way,” said Kelli Noveshen, advocacy program coordinator for YSS.
“We call on all community stakeholders who work with youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, to help connect eligible youth with these life-saving services,” Allen said.
For more information visit https://iowaaftercare.org/ or contact Jordan Rose at 641-780-6610, email jrose@thinkwixted.com.