Welcome!
Hello, young people! Below are some great contacts to help answer questions and resolve issues:
FosterClub has a dedicated team of folks to help you find what you need in Nevada. Call them at 503-717-1552 or email them here. They can help you find resources to help you transition to adulthood and connect you to leadership opportunities.
Healthcare for Former Foster Youth (FFY).
Did you know that former foster youth have access to free Medicaid after they turn 18 until their 26th birthday? Qualification for FFY to access Medicaid is not dependant on employment or education status. Check out the #Healthcare FFY campaign for more information about this program!To download and print the simple, one-page application. Mail your application and supporting documentation to:
Department of Welfare and Supportive Services
Carson City District Office
ATTN: Aging Out Program
2533 Carson Street #200
Carson City, NV 89706
For more information, check out this flyer on Medicaid til 26 in Nevada!
Yes! Nevada has a foster-specific application.
It is significantly easier and shorter than the general Medicaid application. It is only one page long and does not require any income verification. For more information, visit the “How can I apply?” tab.
Nevada does not have auto-coverage renewal.
This means that you will need to verify your information annually in order to maintain your coverage until you are 26. Each year, you will be contacted by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services to redetermine your eligibility. This basically involves a residency question and address verification.Make sure to update the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services on any changes in your address or contact information! This is extremely important. If you do not respond to the annual verification request, you risk losing your coverage.
Nevada does not have auto-enrollment.
This means that, if you are eligible for Medicaid til 26 in Nevada, you will need to complete a new application before you are able to receive health care coverage.Yes! Nevada provides coverage to relocators.
This means that, even if you were in care in another state and then moved to Nevada, you are eligible for Medicaid coverage until the month of your 26th birthday. For more information, visit the “How can I apply?” tab.BLOGS
From Nevada: the Impact of the COVID crisis on Foster Youth
By Celeste — Apr 21, 2020
If there is one thing we know about the Covid19 pandemic it’s the phrase, “stay home”. Which is doable unless you no longer have a home. I’m a former foster youth who was making it ok, until the pandemic hit. I was in college, and school was my home... Read more
States of Equality: Tristan in Nevada
By APetite1 — Dec 9, 2018
Tristan knows the power of sharing your story. As a young trans man, he spent nine months in the foster care system and faced many adverse experiences because of his identity. As a FosterClub Young Leader and a strong advocate for LGBTQ youth,... Read more
Former Foster Youth Need Health Care: Dashun's Story
By Celeste — Jun 21, 2017
I spent 4 years in the foster care system in Las Vegas due to negligence and abuse. In 2010, I aged out of foster care at age 18 and lost my health insurance. Then I ended up in the hospital. My hemoglobin had dropped to critical level after years... Read more
RESOURCES
Pandemic Relief Funds - Nevada
Visit WebsiteThe recent Consolidated Appropriations Act set aside significant emergency relief for young people with foster care experience who are struggling right now because of the Pandemic. What does the new law do? Provides resource support for young people from care ages 14+ and up to... Read more
NSHE Foster Youth Success Initiative
Visit WebsiteOriginally in 2018 The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) began their Foster Youth Success Initiative, which began with the NSHE waiving course enrollment fees (tuition) for eligible former foster youth students. This initiative gained support from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, whose grant funded... Read more
Nevada Sibling Bill of Rights
Visit WebsiteThis brochure includes your rights and an explanation of the Nevada Foster Siblings Bill of Rights. You have a list of rights as foster siblings in Nevada. You can talk to your foster parents, caseworker, CASA, attorney, your judge, or an advocate you have contact... Read more
Nevada Foster Youth Bill of Rights
Visit WebsiteExplanation of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights: http://dcfs.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dcfsnvgov/content/Programs/CWS/IL/FosterYouthBORbrochure(1).pdf Explanation of the Nevada Foster Child Bill of Rights: http://dcfs.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dcfsnvgov/content/Programs/CWS/IL/FosterChildBORbrochure(2).pdf Nevada Division of Child & Family Services Web page: http://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CWS/IL/Know_Your_Rights/ You have a list of rights as a foster youth in Nevada. You can talk to... Read more
Nevada Systems Advocate (Complaints)
Visit WebsiteFill out the complaint form using the website and submit online by clicking the button on the bottom of the form. Call FosterClub for additional support at (503)717-1552 or email outreach@fosterclub.com . Here is an explanation of services: ‘The Systems Advocate performs the duties of... Read more