Successful Chafee Integration with Workforce Development

2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner

Weld County, Colo., CO

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About the Program

Category: Children and Youth

Year: 2023

Foster youth face increased barriers to a successful adulthood. In 2019, the Weld County Department of Human Services moved the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (Chafee) from Child Welfare to Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC), the local American Job Center. This innovative strategic alignment of services was intentionally designed to improve outcomes for foster youth by leveraging available workforce programs, funding, and expertise. Braiding funds has been critical as Chafee is underfunded; Weld County’s allocation doesn’t support one full-time employee let alone supports and services for youth. The shift to deliver and align services through ESWC has increased opportunities for foster youth to engage in work-based learning activities, earning income to support their successful transition to independence, including paid internships, registered apprenticeships, on-the-job training, along with opportunities for career exploration in high-demand pathways. Chafee Youth are paired with a Youth Life Skills Navigator who not only delivers Chaffee supports and services but is uniquely equipped to co-enroll youth into the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act providing opportunities for a continuum of support. Weld County has improved services and outcomes for foster youth and is currently the only County in Colorado with this model, and perhaps the country. 

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