If you turn 18 while you are in foster care in North Carolina, you may be eligible for the Foster Care 18 to 21 Program. This program extends foster care services, offering you help and support, helping you move toward independence. In order to be eligible, you must also be one of the following:
- Enrolled in high school (or equivalent program).
- Enrolled in college or vocational education.
- Part of a program to promote having a job.
- Working for at least 80 hours per month. or
- Unable to complete the above requirements due to a medical condition or a disability.
Joining the Program
When you join the program, you sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA). Then, the court will hold a first review hearing. The court may have more hearings. These will monitor your progress.
The County DSS worker develops a plan with you. This plan is called the Transitional Living Plan and it says what help you will get.
A team of adults will also help you. They help you create goals and find services. This team is called Transitional Support Team (TST). Young adults in Foster Care 18 to 21 have monthly check-ins with their team.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
If you are enrolled in Foster Care 18 to 21, you can get monthly foster care payments. They may be made directly to you, to someone you choose, such as a relative, or to a rental agency or landlord. They can be used for your expenses even if you also have SSI, Education and Training Vouchers, and NC Reach.
Foster Care 18 to 21 Placements
You can be placed out-of-county or out-of-state. Placements may include:
Foster Home/Facility
- Family Foster Home
- Therapeutic Foster Home
- Group Home
Semi-Supervised Independent Living Arrangement
- Shared Apartment or Townhome or House
- Relative or Family Friend
- Host Home
College/University Dormitory
- On-Campus Dormitory
- On-Campus Apartment
- College Co-Op
More Resources
North Carolina has other services for young adults:
- NC LINKS provides independent living services for young adults in foster care.
- NC Reach Program is a scholarship program for foster youth and adoptees.
Contact your county Department of Social Services (DSS) to learn more.
You can find a map and directory at the Department of Social Services website.
To learn more about NC Foster Care 18 to 21, go to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
