Support for Youth
Building Bright Futures Beyond Foster Care.
Heartland for Children is dedicated to helping young adults successfully transition into adulthood, even for those who turn 18 while in foster care. Turning 18 doesn’t mean the support ends — we offer a variety of programs to help with life skills, education, and career goals. Our top priority is to equip you with the tools you need to thrive independently.
Transition Age Youth Services (tAYS) is here for you!
Our Programs
Extended Foster Care
Extended foster care is available to current and former foster youth who turned 18 in the Department’s legal custody and allows you the opportunity to continue residing in or return to licensed foster care or a supervised living arrangement. Extended foster care provides continued case management services, court oversight, room and board, and other services needed to ensure success as an independent adult.
Post-Secondary Education
Support Services (PESS)
PESS is a state program for eligible former foster youth to receive the skills, education, and support necessary to become self-sufficient and have lifelong connections to supportive adults. Depending on certain statutory conditions, eligible youth may receive a monthly financial payment of $1,720; this may include applicable Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funding. The financial award is to secure housing, utilities, and assist with cost of living while attending a Florida Bright Futures-eligible post-secondary educational institution.
Postsecondary Tuition and Fee Exemption
In Florida, young adults (up to age 28) who meet certain criteria can have their tuition and fees waived for college. This means they don't have to pay the tuition at their post-secondary education at public universities, colleges, or certain job training programs in Florida. The specific requirements are laid out in Florida law and are listed at the bottom of this page.
Aftercare Services
The Aftercare program is a temporary program intended to provide you with a safety net. Services are designed to help you transition either to independence or to help you become eligible for Extended Foster Care (EFC), Post-Secondary Education Supports and Services (PESS), Extended Maintenance Adoption Subsidy (EMAS) or Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP).
Meet Our TAYS Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact our Transition Age Youth Services Program Manager, Marquina Butts-Fisher at 863-519-8900 x 238 or email mbutts@heartlandforchildren.org and she'll get you connected with your Life Coach.
The Life Coach visits at minimum every 30 days face to face in the home of the young adult regardless of the program they are participating.
You are eligible for Road to Independence Services through Extended Foster Care,
Post-Secondary Educational Support Services or After Care.
Contact our Transition Age Youth Services Program Manager, Marquina Butts-Fisher at
863-519-8900 x 238 or email mbutts@heartlandforchildren.org for tuition waiver requests.
Community Resources & Helpful Links
For youth and young adults in foster care, navigating resources can be tough. Get guidance on your rights, resources tailored for you, financial assistance, and more!
Looking for resources or programs near you? Visit heartland.findhelp.com for a searchable database–simply enter your zip code to find programs and services near YOU!
Hope Florida connects people to local resources through a caring Hope Navigator who helps create a personalized path toward stability and independence. Support is available for single parents, youth aging out of foster care, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and more.
The Department of Children and Families recognizes that the transition into adulthood can be tough for young people. For current and former foster youth, it can be even more difficult without an existing support system. Connect with our Office of Continuing Care.
South Florida State College is offering FREE GED Prep Classes and English as a Second Language (ESOL) Classes for adults in Highlands and Hardee Counties to help improve adult literacy.
United Way's Children's Resource Center
This community-based learning and resource center provides classes, playgroups, workshops, developmental checkups, community activities, and support for parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6, as well as for expectant moms and dads. They strive to make childhood a happy, healthy, and wholesome experience for every child and parent in Polk County.
United Way's Food Distribution
Needing food? Check out these mobile food pantries across Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.
This vital service connects millions of people to help every year. To get expert, caring help, simply call 211 or visit 211.org
Check out our Resource Page with a comprehensive list of the providers we work with to serve children and families.
What is TAYS?
Transition Age Youth Services (formerly known as Independent Living) supports young people ages 13 to 23 as they prepare for adulthood and independence.
The program’s new theme, “My Future, My Choice,” reflects the power youth have to shape their own paths. It offers the option to remain in care until age 21, and for those enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program, financial assistance is available to help them reach their academic and career goals.
While in Extended Foster Care, young adults continue to receive case management and other essential supports, creating a strong foundation for a successful transition into adulthood.