Youth in Transition, (Michigan's name for Chafee ) is a funding source available to cover expenses NOT covered by other government or community resources, or to augment or supplement services from other funding sources.
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| Eligibility Requirements |
- Michigan youth who are active in the foster care system, placed out of their home based on abuse and neglect, starting at age 14 and up to age 21.
- Michigan youth, ages 18 to 21, that have been in foster care on or after their 14th birthday but are no longer under DHS/Tribal supervision.
- A youth who has or had an open juvenile justice case and is placed in an eligible placement under the supervision of DHS.
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| Where to Apply |
- A youth with an open case can access funds through his/her foster care case manager.
- A youth with a closed case must apply for closed case services (YIT) in the current county of residence through the local DHS office.
- A tribal youth who was or is only supervised by a tribal court may contact DHS at (517) 373-9219.
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| Covered YIT expenses include |
| Daily Living Skills |
- Cooking.
- Laundry.
- Use of community resources.
- Public transportation system.
- Money management and budgeting.
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| Transportation |
- Transportation for educational or employment purposes.
- Bus or gas cards when needed for activity related to self-sufficiency.
- Medical, including counseling transportation (closed case services only).
- Driver's training.
- Vehicle purchase if county allocation allows - $3,000.00 maximum limit.
- Vehicle repair - not to exceed $900.00.
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| Mentorship |
- Mentorships.
- Family connection services if the youth is not covered by foster care family reunification services.
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| Parenting Skills |
- Parenting skills/classes.
- Day care costs not covered by FIP (but not denied due to noncompliance) for working teen parents and/or teen parents in educational/vocational programs.
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| Employment Services |
- Career exploration.
- Job training.
- Job placement and retention.
- Training in job-readiness skills such as interviewing, developing a resume, and job retention.
- Job related supports.
- Uniforms.
- Tools.
- Transportation.
- Apprentice fees.
- Safety clothing.
- Equipment.
- Interview clothing maximum of $250.00.
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| Educational Support / Pre-college |
- Tutoring services.
- Vocational placement.
- Career planning.
- College resources.
- GED preparation and testing.
- Educational testing and assessments.
- Books and supplies for specialized classes.
- Transportation.
- Summer School.
- School sponsored educational field trips.
- College applications up to $150.00
- SAT/ACT fees.
- SAT/ACT preparation classes.
* YIT funding can not be used for post secondary education expenses for students who are receiving ETV funding.
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| Computer |
- Computer and accessories - maximum lifetime limit of $1500.00.
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| Graduation Expenses |
Funding sources are available for graduation expenses
- Senior Class Ring.
- Tuxedo rentals and dress purchases for senior prom - up to $100.
- Senior cap and gown.
- Senior pictures.
- Announcements.
- Yearbook.
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| Physical and Mental Health Services |
- Preventive health services - smoking avoidance, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, pregnancy prevention, personal hygiene, etc. if not covered by Medicaid or other health insurance.
- Individual or group counseling for the youth if he/she is receiving closed case services only.
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| Relationship Building Skills |
- Classes or groups on interpersonal communication/relationship building and maintenance and Independent Living Skills.
- Coordination and connection between associated support people and the youth with various and appropriate community agencies and services.
- Membership in community organizations which would promote/support the youth with transitioning to independent living, i.e., YMCA/YWCA, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
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| Housing |
- Assistance in locating a suitable living arrangement.
- First month's rent, security deposits, and utility deposits for youth ages 18-21. There is a lifetime limit of $1,000.
- Start up goods lifetime limit of $1,000:
- Personal hygiene.
- Household cleaning supplies.
- Basic household furniture.
- Household utensils/tools.
- Linens.
- Household record keeping and accounting needs, etc.
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