Each year that passes, thousands of children in America age out of the foster care system. In Iowa, once you turn 18 you're considered an adult in the eyes of the law, and therefore no longer eligible for foster care. The Foster Care Moratorium allowed those individuals to receive extended benefits from the government due to the COVID pandemic. The moratorium was originally scheduled to end on Oct 1st, however, a new federal law extended it until Sept. 30, 2022.

The state has been able to send relief payments to more than 1,300 people in the foster system since May, and 1,000 more will receive a payment within the next month. A total of $4.7 million was granted to the state for pandemic relief funds, plus an additional $600,000 for the extension. This funding is specifically intended to pay for college tuition and housing.

“If we give them the tools and resources they need to be successful, there’s no doubt that they too will be leading nonprofit organizations and be contributing to society that creates real impact," said Andrew Allan, the president, and CEO of Youth Support Services, who partnered with DHS to help those in the foster care system.


 

 

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