Here, in no order at all (you’ll just have to scroll down) we’ll put questions and answers. When we have a lot, we’ll categorize them.
How do I share a document from this website with my student?
- Save it to your computer and email it to them.
One of my students has not shared much of her life outside of school/career. I check in with her regularly, but she mostly just says everything is fine. Should I try to probe more or just be available if she wants to talk?
- try asking questions that don’t have a one-word answer. Instead of, “how was your weekend?” ask, “what did you do over the weekend?”
- ask about random interesting things – if you google, “interesting questions to ask somebody,” or “questions to get to know someone” you may get ideas about conversation starters
- if she is open and shares about school and career, it’s a good start and you may find that she opens up about other things later on, or – when she needs you.
Is it okay to discuss the student’s foster care experience? For example one student told me that her foster mother only did it for the money and that the mother was glad to see her go. I did not how to respond to that.
- validate her feelings with something like, “I’m sorry that you feel that way, it must have been very hurtful.”
- thank her for sharing, which validates her courage; ask if she would like to talk about it
Do all students covered under foster care receive health benefits or is this done on a state-by-state basis? With new regulations under the Affordable Care Act, can students receive more benefits?
- according to the Affordable Health Care Act, all young people who were in care and receiving Medicaid benefits when they turned 18 (or 21 for some states) are eligible for Medicaid until they turn 26. However, a caveat is that states do not HAVE to cover youth who move out of state.
- youth should probably contact their caseworker or independent living worker to find out what they have to do to remain on Medicaid, as it would vary state by state.
- healthcare.gov has a page where you can scroll down to each state and get their Medicaid office – www.healthcare.gov/do-I-qualify-for-Medicaid/
If students plan to apply for graduate, law, or medical school (or are going for a BA/BS after receiving an associate’s degree), will they receive funding through ETV (up to age 23)?
- YES
- The FC2S scholarship program, however, only funds students through the bachelor’s degree or first credential
Is the FAFSA process the same if applying for post-grad education?
- the process is the same but there are certain restrictions
- there are no grants for graduate student EXCEPT for those who are taking a post-baccelaureate teaching certificate
- students can take out about $20,000 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans per year, and are eligible for the PLUS loans that are available to undergraduate parents