John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
In December of 1999, the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 was signed into law. Title I of the Act is the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP). This legislation helps ensure that young people involved in the foster care system get the tools they need to make the most of their lives. They may have opportunities for additional education or training, housing assistance, counseling and other services.
In some of it provisions, the Act:
- Provides for flexible funding for distribution to States through grants for program services for youth.
- Provides opportunities for States to serve youth who are likely to remain in foster care and those who have aged out of foster care up to 21 years of age.
- Enables youth to make better choices and accept greater responsibility for their own lives.
- Enables older youth (18-21) to receive housing assistance if needed.
- Provides States the option of allowing these young people to remain eligible for Medicaid up to age 21.
