Permanency Options

Reintegration

Reintegration is when a foster youth is placed back with the caregivers they used to live with if the state determines that it will be safe and reasonable!

Adoption

Adoption occurs when the foster youth is taken in by another caregiver who legally becomes the youth's adoptive parent!

APPLA

For youth 16 or older, Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement focuses on developing Independent Living skills and expanding support networks!

Permanent Custodianship

Permanant Legal Custodianship happens when a non-adoptive adult accepts legal responsibility for raising a foster youth, pulling them out of foster care!

SOUL Family

SOUL Family is a brand-new permanency option pioneered by Kansas! It's all about giving foster youth the power to choose.

Check out this video by the Annie E. Casey Fountdation about SOUL!

SOUL

S

Support

Housing, healthcare, and tuition aid even after aging out

O

Opportunity

Ability to select which trusted adults will be in their SOUL Family

U

Unity

SOUL Families are legally recognized by Child Welfare Agencies and courts

L

Legal
Relationships

Preserve legal relationships with birth family

What is SOUL?

SOUL Family Legal Permanency is a new permanency option for youth in Kansas built from the ideas and input of former foster youth. Youth aged 16 and older can establish a legal caregiving relationship with a trusted adult (or adults) without severing connections to family or Independent Living benefits.

Youth get to choose a household caregiver to be their SOUL custodian and as many other trusted adults as they want to be their SOUL Family.

Exit Foster Care Early

Starting at age 16, SOUL youth can gain the financial and Independent Living benefits of aging out without having to wait until they turn 18.

Support Payments

The (non-previous caregiver) SOUL custodian receives a one-time $3,000 support payment and $500 per month until the youth is 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Ends at age 21.

Medical Coverage

Medicaid coverage until age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Aged Out Medicaid from when Medicaid ends until age 26.

Education Benefits

Youth is eligible for an Educational Training Voucher (ETV) up to $5,000/year until age 26 and a State General Fund (SGF) grant up to $5,000/year until age 26.