Extended Foster Care Program

Louisiana extended the age of foster care to 21 for all youth in care on their 18th birthday. The voluntary program allows the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide intensive services to aid in youths' transition to adulthood. 

Program Partners

Louisiana continues to work with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as well as nonprofit partners Youth Villages and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to implement its extended foster care program.

LifeSet Model for Extended Foster Care

Youth Villages awarded the state a $3 million grant to implement the Youth Villages LifeSet model, the only proven case management program like it in the country. The program uses highly trained case workers with small caseloads to provide high-intensity services, including at least one face-to-face session with youth per week. Case workers help youth achieve their education, employment, housing permanency and independent living skills.

NPR: Louisiana Program Helps Young Adults Transition Out of Foster Care

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LifeSet, Louisiana Extended Foster Care Featured on Good Morning America

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Benefits of Extended Foster Care

Studies have found, without additional support, youth who exit foster care at age 18 typically experience poor outcomes at a higher rate than their peers in the general population, including reduced rates of completing high school, post-secondary or vocational programs, and increased rates of homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, unemployment, early pregnancy and dependence on public assistance.

Eligibility for Extended Foster Care

• Reach age 18 while in foster care; and
• Not yet reached age 21; and
• Meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a post-secondary vocational or educational program;
• Enrolled in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment;
• Employed at least 80 hours per month; OR
• Have a medical condition that renders the young adult incapable of engaging in any of these activities.

Extended Foster Care Training Schedule

Extended Foster Care Referral Form