Foster Care & Youth Services

24/7 hotline staffed by professional crisis counselors who can help with any situation involving children — abuse, neglect, aging out questions, or if you just need someone to talk to. Available in 170 languages. Counselors can connect you to local resources, report abuse on your behalf, and create a safety plan. Completely confidential.

📞 800-422-4453

The federal government's comprehensive resource for everything related to foster care — your rights, available programs, state-by-state laws, aging out guides, and how to access services. If you don't know where to start, start here. Covers adoption, kinship care, youth transitioning out, and family services. Staffed information line available.

📞 800-394-3366

Federal money specifically for youth aging out of foster care. Covers housing deposits, first month's rent, job training, education costs, transportation, and daily living expenses. Every state administers it differently — some give cash grants, others provide services directly. You are eligible until age 23 (age 26 for education benefits). Apply through your state child welfare agency or ask your caseworker. Don't leave this money on the table.

📞 800-394-3366

Over 30 states offer completely free tuition at public colleges and universities for current and former foster youth. Many also waive fees and provide free housing. Some states cover community college AND 4-year universities. You may also qualify for maximum Pell Grant amounts ($7,395/year) plus Education & Training Vouchers ($5,000/year). Combined, you can attend college entirely free. Contact your school's financial aid office and mention you were in foster care.

📞 Your financial aid office

24/7 emergency shelter for homeless youth up to age 24 — no ID required, no questions asked. Walk in any time of day or night. Provides safe beds, hot meals, showers, clothing, medical care, and case management. Over 30 locations across the US. After the crisis, they offer transitional housing programs that last up to 2 years with job training and education support. One of the most trusted youth organizations in the country.

📞 800-999-9999

Federal law REQUIRES every state to provide free Medicaid health insurance to former foster youth until age 26 — regardless of income, employment, or whether you have other insurance. This covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health counseling, dental, vision, and hospital stays. You must have been in foster care at age 18 (or when your state's foster care ends). Apply at your state Medicaid office or healthcare.gov. This is YOUR right — don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

📞 877-267-2323

Completely free job training program for youth ages 16–24. Includes FREE housing, meals, medical care, a living allowance, and professional training in trades like healthcare, IT, construction, and automotive. Over 100 campuses nationwide. You earn industry certifications and many graduates get placed directly into jobs. Accepts youth with criminal records. One of the best programs in the country for young people who need a fresh start.

📞 800-733-5627

Foster youth ages 18–24 who were in care at age 18 are automatically eligible for SNAP food benefits — no income test needed in most states. Average monthly benefit is $200+ for a single person. Apply the day you leave care — some states process foster youth applications in 7 days or less. You can apply online, by phone, or at your local SNAP office. This is one of the easiest benefits to get — don't go hungry.

📞 800-221-5689

The largest national network run by and for foster youth. Connect with other young people who understand exactly what you're going through. Offers peer mentoring, advocacy training, leadership programs, and a powerful online community. They also run Foster Club AllStars — a prestigious program that trains foster youth to be national advocates. If you feel alone, this is where you find your people.

📞 503-380-7721

If you are in danger, walk into any location displaying the yellow Safe Place sign — libraries, fire stations, YMCAs, convenience stores, and more. Staff will immediately connect you with help. Over 20,000 Safe Place locations across the US. No ID required, no questions asked, no cost. You can also text SAFE and your current location to 69866 for immediate help. Designed specifically for youth in crisis.

📞 Text SAFE to 69866

Free legal help for foster youth navigating the system — custody hearings, aging out rights, record sealing, benefits denials, housing disputes, and more. You have the right to an attorney in foster care proceedings. Legal aid offices exist in every state and provide free representation to youth who can't afford a lawyer. Don't go to court alone — get a lawyer for free.

📞 lawhelp.org

24/7 crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth — call, text, or chat. LGBTQ+ youth in foster care face disproportionate challenges including higher rates of placement instability, homelessness, and mental health struggles. Trevor Project provides trained counselors who understand these unique challenges. Also offers TrevorSpace — a safe online community for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24.

📞 866-488-7386