Dear Providers:

The federal COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act signed on December 27, 2020 included funding to support older youth in care including a temporary extension of the allowable age of youth receiving extended youth services. This act extends the current provisions in place under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency period through the end of the federal fiscal year which is September 30, 2021. As a result, youth should not be involuntarily discharged from extended foster care/extended youth support services, have a request to reenter care denied, or discharged without a sustainable transition plan in place with the necessary resources for transition.

Please review the memo on the impact of this extension, and share the information with youth and young adults and their caregivers.

GARYSE Chafee