Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
The Montana Foster Care Independence Program (Chafee) is a part of the Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The services offered through the Chafee Program are intended to help Montana foster youth learn the life skills they need to make a successful transition into adulthood. By assisting youth in achieving self-sufficiency and obtaining future goals, the Chafee Program enables youth in the foster care system to create a healthy lifestyle and a successful future.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Chafee Program, a youth must be:
- age 14 or older and currently in foster care;
- Was in foster care at age 18, “aged out” of foster care and is not yet 21 years old; or,
- Was in foster care and after their 16th birthday, permanency was established through a court ordered guardianship or adoption.
What are the services?
Some of the services provided through the Chafee Program include:
- Developing a Transitional Living Plan
- Daily living skills
- Money management
- Decision making
- Substance abuse prevention, nutrition education, smoking prevention, and pregnancy prevention
- Assistance in obtaining the GED
- Preparation for postsecondary training and education
- Assistance obtaining employment
- Mentors and permanent connections
How do I access services?
Chafee services are provided to eligible youth through the contracted Chafee providers across Montana. Current list of Montana Chafee Providers and Service Areas. For more information contact Child and Family Services Division at (406) 268-3790 or email Tonya Shumaker.
Important Links:
Foster Youth to Independence Housing Vouchers (Only available in Missoula, Billings, and Butte.