The PA Department of Human Services announced yesterday that older Pennsylvania youth that are exiting foster-care systems are eligible for aftercare services until the age of 23, as opposed to the former age of 21.
This policy change is one that will offer a great number of supportive services to a particularly vulnerable population of youth that are on their way of transitioning into adulthood. In a DHS press release, the department estimates the age extension could benefit up to 1,500 former foster youths in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
The discussion of the age extension came after the federal Family First Prevention Services gave states the option of doing so, and following research, that showed how former foster youths – who do not have a strong connection with a foster family – experience worse transitions as they transition to adulthood. Along with talks with stakeholders, the DHS passed this into provision on July 1st 2020.
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