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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!
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Adoption
Adoption occurs when the foster youth is taken in by another caregiver who legally becomes the youth's adoptive parent!
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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!
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SOUL Family
SOUL Family is a brand-new permanency option pioneered by Kansas! It's all about giving foster youth the power to choose.
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Check out this video by the Annie E. Casey Fountdation about 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.