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Foster Youth to Independence
Program Description
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is an initiative designed to assist young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who have been part of the foster care system and are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. FYI is administered by the Town of Brookhaven (PHA) in collaboration with Suffolk County Department of Social Services and youth services providers. FYI works with eligible youth to identify, secure, and maintain housing while also participating in a variety of services around education, job training, and financial goals.
Who is Eligible?
- Youth at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age (have not reached their 25th birthday).
- Who left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act.
- Are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.
What services are available to FYI participants?
FYI staff will assist participants in connecting with a service provider(s) they meet eligibility for. Types of Services Provided:
- independent living skills
- landlord introductions
- apartment viewings
- security and brokers fee assistance
- furniture assistance
- food assistance
- utility assistance
- counseling services
- mentoring
- employment and training
- education and career advancement services
- financial workshops and goal setting
FYI Service Partners:
The Town of Brookhaven provides rental assistance and supportive services through the Family Self Sufficiency Program which includes goal setting, referrals to education, job training and more.
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless provides a Landlord Engagement Specialist who will help provide housing searches and introductions to landlords, realtors, and property managers to FYI eligible youth.
Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau-Sanctuary Program provides town residents ages 12-24 free and confidential individual and or family counseling, advocacy, Housing Referrals, Intervention with Runaway and Homeless Youth, and information and referrals.
Department of Social Services (DSS) must identify that youth within their caseload are eligible and to review referrals from the PHA from other youth service providers and will provide landlord engagement services.
Family and Children’s Association Project Independence Program is designed to help young people between the ages of 14-21 who are in foster care or discharged from foster care to live and work independently in the community when they are no longer eligible for foster care.