Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program (YAVFC)

The Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC) Program is designed to assist young adults in developing independent living skills, enhancing educational/vocational and career choices while offering employment opportunities. The Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program is designed to assist youth transition into adulthood.

The young adults are placed in homes with home providers or in an independent housing situation. They may reside with a home provider, family member (not removal household), their own residence (based upon the current level of functioning) or in a dorm.

A YAVFC provider is expected to provide support and encouragement to the young adult. There is no training required for this program. Support to the YAVFC provider is provided by a case manager who will also work directly with the young adult.

Young Adults Served

  • Youth served are between the ages of 18-21.
  • Must be job-ready or currently employed
  • Employed in either full- or part-time work or participating in a program that promotes employment (such as Job Corps, Michigan Works! or another employment skill-building program). Participation must be at least 80 hours per month and maybe at one or more places of employment and/or a combination of the above activities
  • The youth must be in compliance with mental health services and/or all medication as prescribed.
  • For YAVFC, being a Court Ward is not required, however; youth must be assigned through the Department of Health and Human Services

Young adults who are not appropriate for this program are individuals that have academic issues, behavioral issues, and criminal history. Guiding Harbor will assess the youth prior to placement to evaluate and assess the youth’s ability to participate in this program.

Provider Requirements

  • Be a mentor to the young adult
  • Complete an Orientation with Guiding Harbor
  • Complete a Central Registry Check
  • Complete a Criminal History Check
  • Complete an initial home assessment
  • Participate in an annual home assessment
  • Marital Status (can be single, married, separated)
  • Can be related to SIL child (though not birth parents)
  • Must be financially stable
  • Able to produce proof of income and current utility bills
  • Have an approved living situation (apartment, house, mobile home, etc.)

Interested in fostering the independence of youth?

Learn more about becoming a SIL Home Provider by contacting the Program Supervisor:

Kenya Dobbins

734-697-7242