Enhanced COVID Supports for Young Adults

The Aftercare Services Network is currently providing support to young adults ages 18 through 22 who have aged out of foster care or certain other out-of-home placements and are facing education, employment, housing, or other challenges as a result of COVID-19.  Emergency financial assistance is also available to qualifying young people. 

Call 800-443-8336 or contact your local Aftercare provider to get connected to services.

What COVID Support is Available from the Aftercare Services Network?

  • Consultation and guidance from an Aftercare Advocate on an as-needed basis to help you:
    • Apply for a Pandemic Relief Payment for Foster Care Alumni,
    • Identify and connect to community resources, and
    • Overcome setbacks caused by disruptions in education, employment, housing and other issues related to the pandemic.

Individual meetings with an Advocate can be arranged by contacting your local Aftercare Agency.

  • Up to $300 in one-time emergency financial assistance to meet a documented need related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be in the form of a payment to a third party, such as a landlord or utility company, rather than to the young person directly.  Meeting with an Aftercare Advocate to discuss your situation and develop a plan is required to receive this financial assistance.

Flexibility and Safety Considerations

The IASN continues to follow safety protocols in response to the pandemic that allows for increased flexibility related to meetings with young people and acknowledges the change in circumstances that many young people are facing. We will continue to monitor and adapt as the situation evolves, balancing our commitment to continue to provide quality services to young people with the importance of taking precautionary preventive actions.  

For More Information

If you have questions about Aftercare services, please do not hesitate to contact your Aftercare Advocate or agency, or Joan Havel, the IASN State Coordinator. We are here to help!

For questions about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for more information.