Transitional Supports and Success (TSS) programs
Young people in the foster care system can use community-based and Department of Children and Families (DCF) programs to get help transitioning out of DCF care.
Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)
CHAP is a program for young people who came into DCF’s care before turning 18.
The program provides support and living options up to age 21, and by waiver approval to age 23, to help young people pursue:
- Post-secondary education or
- Vocational training
Several living options and support services are available, including:
- Apartments (individual or shared)
- Boarding
- On-campus dormitories
- Start-up furniture, housewares, and food supplies
Learn more about CHAP housing options (PDF).
Community Housing Employment Enrichment Resources (CHEER)
CHEER helps young people who came into DCF’s care before the age of 18. It provides them with opportunities that could lead to gainful employment.
The program offers living options and support services through to age 21, and by waiver approval to age 23 for young people who show interest in:
- Non-certified vocational or technical training
- Apprenticeship programs
- Job readiness development
- Job placement
- Volunteer experience
Learn more about eligibility, CHEER subsidies, funding, and stipends (PDF).
Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc.
These are community-based programs for all young people ages 13 to 18 who live in the Bridgeport area. Teens can look for a mentor, build skills, and join peer and gender-based groups.
Get more information about services and programs.
Juvenile Review Board
A Juvenile Review Board (JRB) is a community diversion process. JRBs use a restorative justice model to repair harm done by a crime. They are in place for young people ages 8 to 18 and can help with minor crimes or status offenses. There are 90 JRBs serving 140 towns in CT.
Protocols and procedures (PDF).
Find printable sample contracts, forms, surveys, and more.
Launch
This program is for young people ages 14 to 17 who are in DCF care. It helps prepare them to shift out of care and into adulthood. Launch offers:
- Job training
- Career assessments
- Job shadowing
- Financial skills building
Watch a video to learn about this program.
Learn more on the Boys and Girls Village website.Re-Entry Services
The Re-Entry Program is voluntary. It allows some young adults who left DCF's care to return to DCF for services.
To be able to resume services, you:
- Were in DCF's care when you were 18 years old
- Cannot be married
- Cannot be enlisted in the military or any branch of the armed services
- Are now 18 to 21 years old
If you want to re-enter DCF, please call the DCF Careline at 800-842-2288. The Careline staff will review your eligibility status with you.
TSS staff will contact you if you are eligible. They will also connect you to an area office. To take part in the program, you will need to:
- Sign the DCF-2131(T), “Release of Information”
- Cooperate with educational, vocational, or employment plans
- Once back in care, if necessary, DCF may ask that you undergo behavioral health and substance abuse assessments.
See Policy 28-1 (PDF), page 22 for more details.
Transitional Supports for Emerging Adults (TSEA)
This is a wrap-around support for youths ages 17 to 21.
Wilderness School (WS)
CT DCF’s WS facility serves families in CT and offers yearly high-impact outdoor wilderness programs. These expeditions range from one-day to 20-day expeditions and help young people grow and build skills.
Learn more about The Wilderness School.
Youth Employment
Summer youth employment (SYE) is a joint effort of DCF and the Department of Labor (DOL). DCF funds DOL to help about 300 teens. The program builds job readiness and life skills for teens aged 14 to 24.
Visit the CT Department of Labor website for details.
Youth Link Mentoring
The Youth Link Mentoring program helps LGBTQIA+ youth develop long-term, supportive, and affirming relationships with adult mentors.
It is available at the Boys and Girls Village. Other programs for LGBTQIA+ are available through the New Haven Pride Center.
Youth Link Mentoring Referral Form (PDF).
Youth Service Bureau (YSB)
Local communities began to develop YSBs in the 1960s as a response to a growing number of issues affecting systems-involved young people. Today, YSBs advocate and coordinate services and the DCF YSB Grant Program helps communities and private organizations that work with young people. Under this program DCF provides:
- Cost-sharing grants to eligible YSBs
- Grant management services
- Program monitoring and evaluation
- Technical help
YSB programs are for justice-involved, pregnant and parenting, and in-need young people up to age 18. There are 103 YSB serving 130 towns in CT.