This toolkit was created to help young people with experience in foster care understand two Michigan programs that may provide support as they move toward adulthood: Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC) and Youth in Transition (YIT).

Whether you're finishing high school, attending college, learning a trade, working, or figuring out your next steps, this guide can help you understand your options and where to begin.

What's the Difference?

Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC) allows eligible young adults ages 18 through 20 to continue or return to foster care services. The program includes case management and financial support.

Youth in Transition (YIT) provides funding for certain expenses that help eligible young people prepare for independent living. YIT is not the same as remaining in foster care.

You may be able to explore both programs, depending on your circumstances.

Tips for Using This Guide

1. Take it step-by-step. You don't need to understand everything at once.
2. Start with what you need. Looking for ongoing support? Start with YAVFC. Need help paying for a specific expense? Explore YIT.
3. Ask for help. A case manager, campus support professional, or trusted adult can help you navigate the process.
4. Check your eligibility. Each program has different requirements.
5. Keep asking questions. If you're told you don't qualify, ask why and whether another resource could help.

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

YAVFC is a voluntary program that provides continued foster care support to eligible young adults until age 21.

You may qualify if you were in an eligible foster care placement when you turned 18 and meet the program's other requirements.

You must also meet at least one qualifying activity or circumstance, such as:

• Attending high school, college, or a vocational or trade program.
• Working or participating in an employment program for at least 80 hours per month.
• Volunteering for at least 80 hours per month.
• Having a documented medical condition that prevents you from participating in these activities.

How to Get Started

If you have an open foster care case, talk with your case manager about continuing services through YAVFC.

If your case has closed, you may be able to re-enter YAVFC before turning 21. Contact your former case manager or your local MDHHS office to ask about the process.

Program Information/MDHHS Resources:

FAQs

STEP 2: Explore Youth in Transition (YIT) Funding

YIT provides funding to help eligible young people develop skills and access resources for independent living.

Depending on your eligibility and the specific expense, YIT may help with:

• Transportation for school or work.
• Job training and employment-related supplies.
• College applications and educational testing.
• Computers and educational supplies.
• Certain graduation expenses.
• Housing deposits and basic household items.
• Independent living skills and other approved supports.

Funding has specific rules and limits, and not every expense is covered.

How to Get Started

If your foster care case is open, talk with your case manager about YIT funding.

If your case is closed, contact the MDHHS office in the county where you currently live and ask about YIT closed-case services.

Program Information:

MDHHS Youth in Transition Funding

STEP 3: Connect with Support

You don't have to navigate these programs alone.

A case manager, campus support program, or trusted professional may be able to help you understand your options, gather documents, and connect with additional resources.

If you're attending college or planning to enroll, ask whether your school has a program supporting students with experience in foster care.

Questions? Start Here.

Not sure whether YAVFC or YIT is right for you? That's okay.

Start by contacting your case manager or local MDHHS office. You can ask:

• Am I eligible for YAVFC?
• Can I apply for YIT funding?
• What documents do I need?
• Who can help me with the next step?
• What other support is available if I don't qualify?

You deserve clear answers and support as you plan your future.