ILP/CHAFEE: Each State receives federal dollars to provide services to foster care youth to prepare them for adulthood. The funds come from the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services to the State HHS/Child Welfare Agency. These funds can be used to provide services to youth over the age of 14 and up to the age of 23. To find out who your State contact is go to http://www.nrcys.ou.edu/yd/state_pages.html and click on your State. EDUCATIONAL TRAINING VOUCHERS (ETV): Every State receives federal dollars to provide training and/or post-secondary education funds in addition to their Chaffee funds. The ETV funds can be used for scholarships to pay for training, college or preparation for college, as well as vouchers to pay for items such as computers, transportation, housing, etc. Many states post their ETV guidelines at http://www.nrcys.ou.edu./yd/state_pages.html. However, if your state’s guidelines are not listed, you may contact your State ILP Coordinator at the address provided on the same site. WIA – WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Formula Grant Program provides economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14 and 21 with work experience, academic enrichment and other services. These funds are provided to States by the U.S Dept of Labor Employment and Training Admin. To find your State and Local Workforce Investment Board contact go to http://www.servicelocator.org/wibcontacts/. On this site you will have access to all levels of contacts. TANF-TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. Citizens may apply for assistance at their local TANF agency. Visit their website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/ NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act on January 8, 2002. This law helps schools improve by focusing on accountability for results, freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and choices for parents. For more information visit their website at: http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml PRIVATE FUNDING/GRANTS: There are numerous private funding opportunities available. Private Companies and Foundations offer the potential to help assist with the costs of hosting a camp or fully fund it. You can visit www.grants.gov as a resource. We even had one client work his local auto mall getting each car dealership to sponsor one youth each. At the conclusion of the “Weekend Computer Camp” the press came out and took a picture of the youth with a car dealer representative behind them demonstrating their commitment to the community. TITLE IV: The purpose of this part (1) is to increase the flexibility of States in operating a program designed to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (3) prevent and reduce the incidents of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidents of these pregnancies; and (4) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Visit their website at: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title04/0401.htm TITLE IV-4E: Title IV-E is a subpart of Title IV of the Federal Social Security Act. This program provides federal reimbursement to states for the costs of children placed in foster homes or other types of out-of-home care under a court order or voluntary placement agreement. Title IV-E benefits are an individual entitlement for qualified children who have been removed from their homes. Visit their website at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/children/TitleIV-E/index.htm