Current as of: Dec. 2011 (1) A young adult formerly in foster care may request Transitional Support Services in addition to aftercare referrals, cash assistance or the Road to Independence Scholarship if the young adult demonstrates that the services are critical to his or her own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and develop a personal support system. (2) Eligibility/Assessment for Transitional Support. In order to be eligible, the young adult shall: (a) Be age 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22; (b) Have been a dependent child pursuant to Chapter 39, F.S.; (c) Be or have been in the legal and/or physical custody of the Department of Children and Family Services at the time of his or her 18th birthday. (d) Have spent at least 6 months in foster care before his or her 18th birthday. (e) Demonstrate that the services are critical to his or her own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to develop a personal support system. The young adult shall complete a “Transition Plan”, CF-FSP 5293, September 2005, incorporated by reference, with designated staff of the department or its contracted service provider. (3) If at any time the services are determined by the services worker as no longer critical to the young adult’s own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to develop a personal support system, they shall be terminated or reapplication denied. (4) Application Process to Receive Transitional Support Services. (a) A Transitional Support Services application shall be completed by the young adult with assistance from the assigned services worker. The “Transitional Support Eligibility and/or Education Training Vouchers (ETV) Funds Application” CF-FSP 5292, September 2005, incorporated by reference, shall be used to apply for these services. (b) An application for Transitional Support Services is limited to a maximum three-month benefit period. A young adult may re-apply for Transitional Support Services after the three-month period but must demonstrate that the services are vital for achieving self-sufficiency. (5) Transition Plan. Each young adult requesting transitional support services shall prepare a transition plan using “Transition Plan”, CF-FSP 5293, September 2005, incorporated by reference. This plan shall: (a) Outline the types of services being provided by the department and the types of activities that the young adult will complete in order to achieve self-sufficiency. (b) Be reviewed a minimum of every three months, if the young adult intends to re-apply for services, and adjusted according to the young adult’s needs at the time of review and reapplication. (6) Service Worker and Young Adult Contact Requirements. The services worker shall work with the young adult formerly in foster care to determine the need for contact. (7) Payment Requirements for Transitional Support Services Recipients. Payments shall be made directly to the young adult formerly in foster care unless the young adult requests all or a portion of the funds be paid to a service provider. This request shall be made in writing. (8) Confidentiality. The youth’s status as a former foster youth and recipient of public benefits is confidential and shall not be revealed to anyone without the youth’s permission. Staff shall not have direct contact with the youth’s landlords or third parties, unless the youth provides written permission. (9) Mandatory Access to Application for Services. (a) Services workers shall process a young adult’s request for assistance. If a young adult requests assistance in completing the application, the services worker shall provide the requested assistance. (b) Each office of the department or its contracted service provider involved in serving young adults formerly in the custody of the department shall maintain application forms for the Road to Independence Scholarship, Transitional Support Services and Aftercare Support Services in a visible area and shall assist the youth with completing the application forms. (10) Youth with Disabilities. Youth who have disabilities shall be provided with an equal opportunity to participate in the continuum of independent living services. (a) Though a youth who has a physical, emotional, or learning disability may need additional support, he or she still is eligible for all independent living and post-18 services. (b) Each office of the department or its contracted service provider involved in serving young adults formerly in the custody of the department involved in serving young adults formerly in the custody of the department shall provide youth with disabilities with reasonable accommodations and appropriate services to ensure the equal opportunities and participation of these youth. (11) Youth who are Pregnant or Parenting. Youth who are pregnant or who are parenting shall be provided with an equal opportunity to participate in the continuum of independent living and post-18 services. The services worker shall assist these youth with accessing needed services, such as prenatal care, daycare, other public benefits, and appropriate housing. Laws implemented by this Rule: Florida Statutes § 409.1451 This Rule authorized by: Florida Statutes § 409.1451 ________________________________________________________________________
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