COVID-19 Funds Available for Alumni Foster Youth

July 16, 2021
A group of young people hanging out in the park.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and Treehouse are partnering to disperse approximately $1.65 million in congressional funds to help alumni of foster care recover from the financial hardships caused by the pandemic. One of the provisions of the Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act is additional funding under the Chafee Program to assist former foster youth with critical financial needs.

The following youth are eligible to receive financial assistance:

  • Must be eligible for DCYF’s Independent Living (IL) Program
  • Must be 23-26 years old and have been previously placed in out-of-home foster care for at least 30 days between the ages of 15-17
  • Have previously been a dependent of DCYF or federally recognized tribe

Eligible youth can receive up to $1,000 in financial assistance for a variety of needs, including education, technology, rent, utilities, groceries, and more. The application window closes on Sept. 24, 2021. For more information or to apply, visit the Treehouse Pandemic Aid website.