Foster CareSource-seeded · not yet verified
DCS Independent Living and Extended Foster Care
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
Covers the state's post-18 foster care benefits: continued placement or an Independent Living Allowance through age 21, case management, life-skills classes, Education and Training Vouchers up to $5,000 a year, and the Bright Futures scholarship through age 26. Jim Casey resource centers in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga serve current and former foster youth ages 14–25.
Who it's for
Young adults 18–23 who aged out of DCS custody at 18 or older, or who exited to adoption or guardianship at 16 or older; must be in school, working 80+ hours a month, in an employment-barrier program, or medically unable
How to get in
Call the toll-free Independent Living line at 844-887-7277 or contact your regional DCS Independent Living Specialist
What to bring
Proof of school enrollment, employment letter or pay stubs, or program acceptance letter depending on eligibility track
Services
Shelter & housingBenefits & cashJobs & trainingHealth & medication