Professionals play an important role in helping young people with experience in foster care access resources as they transition into adulthood.

Two Michigan programs that may provide support are Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC) and Youth in Transition (YIT).

This guide is designed for campus support professionals, case managers, educators, community organizations, and other individuals working alongside young people with experience in foster care.

Whether you are helping a student navigate college, secure housing, prepare for employment, or access financial resources, understanding these programs can help you connect young people with the support they need.

What's the Difference Between YAVFC and YIT?

Important: YAVFC and YIT are separate programs. A young person may be eligible for one, both, or neither, depending on their circumstances.

Tips for Supporting Young People

1. Start with the young person's goals. Ask what support they need rather than beginning with eligibility questions.
2. Understand the differences. YAVFC provides ongoing foster care services, while YIT helps with certain approved expenses.
3. Avoid making assumptions. A young person's age or previous foster care involvement does not automatically determine eligibility.
4. Connect with MDHHS. Program eligibility, funding availability, and application requirements should be verified through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
5. Coordinate available resources. Explore how foster care supports, financial aid, campus resources, and community programs can work together.
6. Follow up. Help young people understand the next step, who is responsible, and when they can expect a response.

STEP 1: Understand Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC)

YAVFC is a voluntary program that allows eligible young adults to continue or return to foster care services until age 21.

The program is designed to provide additional stability and support as young adults pursue education, employment, and other goals.

Who May Be Eligible?

Eligibility depends on several factors, including foster care history, age, and participation requirements.

Young adults generally must meet at least one qualifying condition, such as:

• Completing high school or an equivalent program.
• Enrolling in college, vocational education, or another approved educational program.
• Participating in an approved employment-related activity.
• Working or volunteering for the required number of hours.
• Having a documented medical condition that prevents participation in qualifying activities.

Eligibility should always be confirmed using current MDHHS policy.

How Professionals Can Help

• Ask whether the young person is currently participating in YAVFC or wants to explore the program.
• Connect them with their current or former case manager.
• Help identify education, employment, or training opportunities that may support program participation.
• Assist with locating campus and community resources.
• Encourage the young person to ask about re-entry if they previously left foster care.

Official Resource:

MDHHS Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Policy — FOM 722-16

MDHHS Foster Youth in Transition Page

STEP 2: Understand Youth in Transition (YIT) Funding

YIT funding helps eligible young people with experience in foster care access certain resources that support their transition into adulthood.

Unlike YAVFC, YIT is not an ongoing foster care placement or case management program.

What Types of Expenses May Be Supported?

Depending on eligibility, current policy, funding availability, and approval requirements, YIT may support certain expenses related to:

• Education and training.
• Employment preparation.
• Transportation.
• Housing and household needs.
• Independent living skills.
• Other approved transition-related needs.

Not all expenses within these categories are allowable. Professionals should verify the specific expense and approval process before making commitments.

How Professionals Can Help

• Identify the specific expense or barrier the young person is experiencing.
• Determine whether YIT may be an appropriate resource.
• Connect the young person with the appropriate MDHHS contact.
• Help gather any required documentation.
• Confirm whether approval is needed before a purchase is made.
• Explore other resources if YIT funding is unavailable.

Official Resource:

MDHHS Youth in Transition Funding

STEP 3: Help Young People Navigate the Process

Young people may not know which program applies to their circumstances or whom to contact.

Professionals can help make the process more manageable.

Questions to Ask

For YAVFC:

• Is the young person currently participating in YAVFC?
• If not, would they like to explore eligibility or re-entry?
• Who is the appropriate MDHHS contact?
• What education, employment, or other participation requirements apply?

For YIT:

• What specific expense or support does the young person need?
• Does the expense meet current YIT guidelines?
• Who is responsible for submitting or approving the request?
• What documentation is required?
• Are funds currently available?

If a Young Person Is Told They Do Not Qualify

Encourage them to request clarification about the eligibility decision or funding restriction.

Help them identify other resources that may address the same need, including campus-based supports, financial aid, scholarships, and community programs.

STEP 4: Coordinate Campus and Community Resources

YAVFC and YIT are part of a larger network of supports available to young people with experience in foster care.

Professionals can help young people explore additional resources through:

• College financial aid offices.
• Campus-based foster care support programs.
• Academic advising and student success services.
• Housing and basic needs programs.
• Career services and workforce development.
• Community organizations and local support networks.

Coordination is most effective when the young person directs the process and understands what information will be shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a young person receive both YAVFC and YIT support?

Potentially. The programs have different eligibility requirements and purposes. Confirm eligibility and allowable services with MDHHS.

Does a young person have to be enrolled in college to qualify for YAVFC?

No. College enrollment is not the only qualifying pathway. Other education, employment, and approved participation conditions may apply.

Can YIT help with college expenses?

Certain education-related expenses may qualify. Professionals should verify the specific expense, funding requirements, and approval process before advising a student.

Can someone who has left foster care access these programs?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on the program, the young person's foster care history, age, and other requirements. YAVFC re-entry and YIT closed-case services should be explored separately.

Who makes the final eligibility or funding decision?

MDHHS and the appropriate program authorities determine eligibility and funding approval according to current policy.

Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Policy

Youth in Transition Funding

This guide is intended to help professionals navigate available resources. Eligibility, program requirements, and funding decisions are determined by MDHHS according to current policy. Verify requirements before making referrals or commitments.