The Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is committed to preparing foster care youth ages 13 to 23 to live independently. Assistance and support as youth and young adults reach toward self-sufficiency comes in many forms including life skills training classes, individual coaching, in-home instruction, and leadership opportunities. Priority areas for skill building are money management, personal care/hygiene, nutrition, personal safety, housing, employment, and educational/career planning. The SCC is a partner with and support system to Youth and Young Adults, assisting them in completing their successful transition to independence and self-sufficiency.
Eligible Young Adults, ages 18 to their 23rd birthday, can request services and assistance from the SCC through the Road to Independence Program. Young Adults may qualify for Post Secondary Educational Services and Support (PESS), which provides a monthly stipend to assist Young Adults with attending post secondary school, or Aftercare, which provides service referrals, case management, and may include temporary financial assistance.
Young Adults who reach the age of majority in licensed care are able to choose to Extend Foster Care (EFC) until the age of 21 (22 with a disability).
Each Young Adult’s needs are different and support is always individualized to help the Young Adult with the challenges of living in our adult world. In seeking support or additional information, Young Adults are encouraged to contact their local Safe Children Coalition office in the county they reside.
The Office of Continuing Care, part of Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, provides the following services:
Foster Care Expectations for youth in care. As a youth in care it is important that you know what to expect. The Foster Care Expectations brochure, For Youth & Young Adults | Expectations Brochure is designed to provide you with this information. Many of these expectations come from Florida statute 39.4085. The expectations included in this brochure describe what you can expect from the Department of Children and Families and your case management agency while in foster care.
Foster Care Rights and Expectations (for youth ages 14 to 17 in care). In addition to knowing what to expect is also important to know your rights as a child in care. The Foster Care Rights brochure, For Youth & Young Adults | Rights brochure is designed to provide you with this information. These rights come from many different sources. Some of the rights come from the United States Constitution, others from the Florida Constitution. Florida statutes (laws) and federal statutes also outline and direct the expectations and services that should be provided. You have the right to enjoy the same rights established in the Constitutions of the United States and Florida as every other person in the state and country. You also have the right to be given the opportunity to participate in developing your case plan, and that the case plan includes your rights to education, health, visitation, court participation, and safety.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 26 and you have or will age out of foster care in Florida (including extended foster care), please call for services,
Call 850-300-HOPE (850-300-4673)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (ET)
Or visit the website,
Hope Florida | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)
Email for more information on the Independent Living Services.
