Services
Aftercare is here to make sure that youth have the support they need to transition to adulthood successfully. We can help youth set a positive course for their lives.
An average of 450 young people age out of foster care in Iowa every year. Without intervention, these young adults are at high risk for poor outcomes, including homelessness, unemployment, crime, and poverty. Since its inception in 2002, YSS has served as the lead agency of the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN). IASN services are designed to help youth successfully transition from foster care to adulthood by providing encouragement, stability, guidance, and the opportunity to a build a positive future.
What is Aftercare in the Foster Care System?
Aftercare services are designed to help youth successfully transition from foster care to adulthood. Because our goal is to empower former foster youth to make their own decisions about their future, Aftercare is voluntary. As an Aftercare participant, you have choices about the Aftercare services that are most helpful for you. We simply provide support, guidance, encouragement and stability as you navigate your future.
Since its inception in 2002, YSS has served as the lead agency of the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN). Aftercare is one way we hope to equip and empower young adults to achieve success.
Pre-Aftercare: Setting You Up for Success
Youth who have experienced foster care can begin preparing for the transition to Aftercare services several months prior to aging out of the foster care system. If you’ve been in the foster care system, you remain eligible for Aftercare services at any time between aging out and age 21. If you’re 17 or older and interested in learning more about Aftercare, you can meet with an Aftercare Self-Sufficiency Advocate (SSA) to begin exploring your options. Contact us for more information or call 800.443.8336 to be referred.
Aftercare Services: Support After Foster Care
The Aftercare program provides individualized support to help young adults ages 18-21 transition successfully to adulthood. The Aftercare program is completely voluntary, and participants can shape their Aftercare experience to suit their specific needs and goals. Once you turn 21, you’ll be eligible for Extended Aftercare, a continuation of Aftercare services.
Your Self-Sufficiency Advocate
If you choose to participate in Aftercare, you’ll be paired with a Self-Sufficiency Advocate (SSA). Your SSA will provide support, encouragement, advice and important resources. You’ll meet twice monthly with your SSA, but you’ll be able to contact them more often if you have questions about:
- Finances and Budgeting
- Healthcare and Medical Needs
- Education and Financial Aid
- Employment and Job Skills Training
- Housing Needs
- Life Skills
- And More
Self-Sufficiency Advocates are available to offer help and guidance, but they also recognize and respect your independence as an adult.
Financial Assistance
If you participate in the Aftercare program, you may be eligible for financial support in the form of a monthly stipend. To qualify for the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) stipend, you must have exited foster care or other court-ordered placement at age 18 or older and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Enrollment in an education program
- Participation in a work training program
- Employment in a part-time or full-time role (at least 80 hours per month)
The PAL stipend amount varies based on your income, age, and other factors. If you are not eligible for the PAL stipend, we may be able to help you meet emergency or critical expenses in other ways.
Extended aftercare services
Extended Aftercare services are available for youth that are 21 or 22 years of age. These services provide additional support as you continue your transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Extended services include life skills training, periodic check-ins, and referrals to needed services. Extended Aftercare participants with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for limited assistance. As you near age 23, your Advocate will continue to help you prepare for independence, providing budgeting help and money management tips as needed
State and Federal Policies
State Laws and Rules Governing Transition Services in Iowa
Federal Laws Impacting Transitioning Youth
Explore Additional Aftercare Information
If you’re interested in learning more about Aftercare services, explore our frequently asked questions page or reach out to our team. We’re excited to help you get connected with helpful resources and to be a part of your journey.
The extension of Aftercare is so crucial. I’m turning 21 next year and having support for those extra years is really going to be helpful.
Joel, aged 20
Ames, Iowa