Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) allows for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to request housing choice vouchers (HCVs) to serve youth under the age of 25 with a history of child welfare involvement for up to 36 months, with Foster Youth to Independence (FYI vouchers). 

 

The DETCOG Regional Housing Authority (DETCOG) will accept referrals of youth certified by the public child welfare agency (PCWA) as eligible for assistance. The FYI Vouchers assist eligible youth for a period of 36 months, subject to availability.

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The initiative aims to help communities across the country:

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1. Address gaps in the availability of FUP for youth across the country. 

2. Contribute to federal goal of preventing and ending youth homelessness outlined in Home Together: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

3. Set youth on a path to self-sufficiency by providing a suite of supportive services for the duration of a youth’s 36 months of assistance on the program.  

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Eligible youth must meet the following conditions:

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1. Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;

2. 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 at age 16 or older; and

3. Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older. 

 

Eligibility is not limited to single persons. For example, a young person who meets the above requirements and is pregnant and parenting is also eligible. 

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The DETCOG Regional Housing Authority is not required to maintain full documentation that demonstrates a youth's eligiblity. In order to maintain an audit trail, the DETCOG Regional Housing Authority will keep the referral or certification from the PCWA.

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The DETCOG Regional Housing Authority will have discretion to decide whether or not to deny admission to an applicant with certain types of criminal history, or terminate assistance if a tenant, household member, or guest engages in certain drug related or other criminal activity on or near the premises. The DETCOG Regional Housing Authority will follow the same regulations as the HCV Program when deciding to deny an application or terminate assistance for FYI applicants and participants.

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The Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) State Office Youth Housing Program will provide the required supported services.

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