Youth Link: Your Foster Care Journey

Your Guide To The Child Welfare System In Louisiana And Your Link To A Better Future

If you’re in foster care, or about to be placed into foster care, we know it can be a little scary. We’re here to tell you that you are not alone. Youth Link can help answer all your questions about foster care.

This booklet was created by caring Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) staff, social workers in other states, kids who are in foster care right now and older youth who were at one time.

Additional Information Sources

• 1800runaway.org
• braveheartchildren.org
• breakthecycle.org
• careeronestop.com
• cyberbullying.org
• fosterclub.com
• going2college.org
• hiset.ets.org
• humantraffickinghotline.org
• knowhow2go.acenet.edu
• liftlouisiana.org
• livecareer.com
• louisianalawhelp.org
• ncfr.org
• nsteens.org
• plannedparenthood.org
• rtor.org
• sexetc.org
• statesavingsonline.com
• suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• thetrevorproject.org
• YoungAdultMoney.com
• youngmenshealthsite.org
• youth.gov

Independent Living Providers (IL)

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is here to help you prepare for your future.

One way DCFS can help is with the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood.

This program was made for young adults just like you. It has services and information you will need when you leave foster care, so you can get ready to be on your own.

If you are 14 or 15 years old: The IL providers can help you make plans for your future, show you how to get along with others, help you with school and many other things.

If you are 16 or 17 years old: The IL providers can help you practice skills needed to live on your own, help you plan for your future and many other things you will need to know.

If you are 18, 19, 20 or 21 years old: The IL providers can help you get the things you will need to know as you become an adult.

DCFS Resources for Youth and Young Adults

Educational Training Voucher (EVT)

Educational Training Vouchers provide financial assistance for post-secondary educational or vocational programs. Youth can apply through the financial aid office at their chosen learning programs.

• ETV Flyer
  
  

Other Youth Resource Information

• LEAF Flyer (More info about LEAF can be found under Legal & Youth Voice)
• Medicaid Flyer

If you have questions regarding services from DCFS to youth and young adults or wish to update your contact information with us, contact your local office or email us at DCFS.FosterCare@la.gov.

Articles

• Louisiana Gets $3 Million Grant to Develop Better Support for Young Adults Leaving Foster Care
• Proposed Tax Credit Would Reward Employers Who Hire Former Foster Youth