HELPING YOUTH ACHIEVE
                SELF-SUFFICIENCY

​The Montana Foster Care Independence program helps youth who are likely to remain in foster care until the age of 18; to prepare for and enter post-secondary and education institutions, or the training and services needed to find employment.  The program assists youth with extracurricular activities, tutoring, financial literacy, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former and current foster care recipients from the age of 14 until their 21st birthday.  These endeavors complement youth's own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency, and assure that program participants recognize and accept their personal responsibility in preparing for and completing the transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

​ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Youth is age 14 or older and currently in foster care
​Youth has "aged out" of foster care and is not yet 21 years old.
​Youth had a guardianship or adoption finalized after their 16th birthday.

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For more information contact one of our Independent Living Mentors:
​Dan McFadyean Region 2 Rural and Tribal Communities
406-564-5874
​Stacie Eckenstein Cascade County
​406-727-0076 or 406-788-5410
Kristy Kluge Cascade County
​406-727-0076 or 406-564-8060

​Chaffee offers great opportunities for youth!

• ​Attend the annual A Step Ahead-Building a Path to Success Youth Summit held on a Montana college campus every year in June!  Learn life skills, network with other youth in foster care, prepare for college or the world of work, and engage in group activities.  Look for registration in March!
• ​Participate in National or State activities such as the Foster Club All Star Program and youth panels to train adults about working with youth in the child welfare field.
• ​Work with Reach Higher Montana to prepare for your post high school education.  Learn about getting financial aid, resources on campus, getting involved in school activities, how to sign up for Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) that offer eligible youth up to $5,000 per year for education costs, and more!​
• ​Apply to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board.  The selected youth will have the opportunity to learn more about child welfare, provide insight on improving the Chafee Program, network with peers, and be leaders in the state!