Health and Mental Health

Youth adopted from foster care who have an adoption assistance agreement generally qualify for Medicaid coverage through age 18. In some circumstances, adoption assistance and Medicaid may continue through age 21 if the youth has a qualifying physical, mental, or emotional disability. Medicaid eligibility is tied to the adoption assistance agreement and is not based on family income. Medicaid coverage can be accessed in other states through interstate Medicaid agreements.

Medicaid covers:

• Medical care
• Dental care
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Prescription medications
• Preventive health services

Financial Adoption Monthly Subsidy

Youth adopted from foster care who qualify for adoption assistance may receive a monthly subsidy to help offset the costs of raising a child with special needs. The amount is negotiated based on the youth's individual needs and is generally lower than the foster care reimbursement rate. Adoption assistance may also include Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of certain adoption-related expenses..

Post-Secondary Education

Youth adopted at age 13 or older may qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, when attending college, vocational school, or other approved post-secondary programs.

Students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility. Depending on federal regulations and individual circumstances, youth who were adopted from foster care after age 13 may qualify as independent students for financial aid purposes, which can significantly increase eligibility for grants and aid. Families should consult their school's financial aid office for current FAFSA requirements.

Youth adopted at age 14 and older may be eligible for all benefits listed above, plus:

Transition to Adult Living Services

The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) offers Transition to Adult Living services designed to help youth prepare for adulthood.

Services may include:

• Financial literacy training
• Employment readiness
• Housing preparation
• Life skills development
• Educational planning

Some life-skills classes and workshops available to youth in foster care may also be available to adopted youth, depending on program eligibility and availability. Contact your regional Transition to Adult Living coordinator for current offerings.

Youth adopted at age 16 or older may qualify for all previously listed benefits, plus additional education and transition supports.

Education Training Voucher (ETV) - The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides financial assistance for post-secondary education and training expenses.

Eligible youth may receive up to $5,000 per state fiscal year for:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Computers and technology
• Other approved educational expenses

Assistance may continue until the youth's 26th birthday, subject to eligibility requirements and available funding.

Olene S. Walker Transition to Adult Living Scholarship - The Olene S. Walker TAL Scholarship helps eligible youth formerly in foster care complete a degree, certificate, or trade program at a Utah System of Higher Education institution.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Former Utah foster youth or eligible refugee youth
• Under age 26 at initial application
• Utah resident
• U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Enrollment in an eligible Utah institution
• FAFSA completion (Pell Grant eligibility generally required)

The scholarship is renewable based on academic progress and program requirements. Current annual award amounts are:

• $5,500 for full-time enrollment
• Reduced awards available for part-time enrollment

Recipients participate in mentoring and other program activities.

Aftercare and Young Adult Support

Former foster youth may have access to transition-related supports for young adults, including assistance with:

• Housing
• Employment
• Transportation
• Education and training

Availability and eligibility vary. Contact your local Transition to Adult Living coordinator for current program information.

Utah Job Corps

Job Corps provides education and career training opportunities for young adults ages 16–24 (and, in some cases, older individuals with disabilities).

Services may include:

• GED or high school diploma completion
• Career and technical training
• Housing and meals while enrolled
• Job placement assistance

Benefits for Adopting an Older Youth