Young adult services
Young adult services
At FamiliesFirst Network, we recognize that the transition to adulthood can be especially challenging for youth aging out of foster care. That’s why our Young Adult Services are designed to provide continued support, stability, and guidance during this critical phase of life. Our specialized team helps young adults build the foundation for a successful and independent future.
Our Young Adult Services program includes:
- Extended Foster Care (EFC) – allows eligible youth to remain in or return to a supervised living arrangement while continuing to receive case management and court oversight
- Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) – offers financial support and transitional planning to help cover housing and utility costs while attending college or vocational school
- Aftercare Services – provides a vital safety net, offering temporary assistance such as counseling, life skills training, and emergency financial support to help young adults navigate life’s challenges and prepare for long-term success
To connect to our young adult services team in Northwest Florida, call 850-776-2718.
Extended Foster Care
Extended foster care is available to current and former foster youth who turned 18 in the Department’s legal custody and allows you the opportunity to continue residing in or return to licensed foster care or a supervised living arrangement. Extended foster care provides continued case management services, court oversight, room and board, and other services needed to ensure success as an independent adult.
Qualifying Activity:
- Finishing high school or completing G.E.D.; or
- Enrolled in post-secondary education; or
- Working at least 80 hours/month; or
- Participating in a job skills program; or
- Unable to participate in one of the above full time due to a documented disability
Extended foster care gives eligible young adults the option of remaining in foster care until the age of 21 or until the age of 22 if they have a documented disability that prevents full time participation.
Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS)
FamiliesFirst Network’s Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) program is available to former foster youth aged 18 to 23 who have completed high school or the equivalent and are pursuing post-secondary education.
The program provides a monthly stipend to assist with housing and utility costs while attending college or vocational school. Before receiving funds, participants undergo an assessment to ensure they can manage their finances responsibly. This support continues as long as the young adult maintains eligibility and academic progress, helping them build a stable foundation for independence and success.
PESS provides continued transitional and financial planning that will include assistance in meeting your current and future needs.
Aftercare Program
The Aftercare Program provides a temporary support system designed to help young adults transition to independence or become eligible for extended services. Whether you’re preparing to live on your own or seeking eligibility for programs such as Extended Foster Care (EFC), Post-Secondary Education Supports and Services (PESS), Extended Maintenance Adoption Subsidy (EMAS), or the Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP), our team is here to support your journey.
Services may include:
- Counselor consultations
- Emergency financial assistance (available to PESS participants only)
- Financial literacy and budgeting workshops
- Job readiness and career development training
- Life skills classes
- Mental health support and counseling
- Mentoring and academic tutoring
- Parenting education and support
- Substance abuse counseling
- Temporary financial assistance
Donate to young adult services
Your support can empower young adults on their journey toward independence and stability. Donations to FamiliesFirst Network’s Young Adult Services help provide:
- Tutoring for diploma completion
- Job training and apprenticeships
- Hygiene and household essentials
- Non-perishable food and ready-to-eat meals
- Bicycles for transportation
- Laptops for school and job searches
- Haircuts for employment readiness
To help young adults aging out of foster care in Northwest Florida, call 850-776-2718 or donate online.
