September 2012Vol. 13, No. 8Benefits of Extended DYFS Assistance for Youth
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families' Office of Adolescent Services produced a video highlighting the benefits of extending a youth's case with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). At the age of 18, youth can choose to have their cases closed. However, if they exercise their right to keep their case open until age 21, they can continue receiving benefits to help them transition to independent living. In addition, youth who have already closed their cases and are still under the age of 21 can request to have them reopened to receive these benefits.
In the video, several young people who elected to keep their cases open after they turned 18 relate their experiences and describe the assistance they received. Some of the benefits available to those who extend their cases include:
- Assistance in finding housing and employment
- Stipends for food and transportation
- Access to transitional living programs and mentoring services
- Continued access to Medicaid coverage
"Keeping Your DYFS Case Open Until 21 in New Jersey: The Experiences of Young People Like You" is available on the New Jersey DYFS YouTube channel: