This corrects the error in ACL 07-09, which said that 18 year old foster youths could participate in a GED program less than full time basis and still meet Aid Foster Care requirements. Wrongo. The youth MUST be in the GED program full time. The County Welfare Department (CWD) is to verify only full time attendance. Full-time enrollment is defined by the school or program. It is not the duty or function of the CWD to check on the school’s or program’s standards or definitions in this area. [Download]

Two years later, CDSS realized the need for revised instructions the verification document given to youth upon emancipating from foster care to eliminate delays in the processing of the application for Chafee Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) and financial aid. Turns out that the prior ACL 05-32, which provided the original instructions, used “dependency” and “wardship” in a way different from the financial aid programs. This ACL includes acceptable language of “proof of wardship.”

Students who check the status of their Chafee ETV award at the Chafee WebGrants for Students website, who see in red “Department of Social Services Record,’ need foster care verification. Students can submit either the proof of wardship, or their Independent Living Plan. Although previously, students and county social workers were informed that the ILP Eligibility Certification Form was no longer required to verify the foster care eligibility for the Chafee ETV Program, when a “proof of wardship” is not available, the Eligibility Certification Form will be necessary. Youth who are/were in legal guardianship or the KinGAP are ineligible for the Chafee grant unless in a foster care placement at any time between the ages of 16-18. Each county should identify a point person who can assist in foster care eligibility verification for the purpose of the Chafee program. [Download]