Eligibility
Eligibility for OKSA services is determined based on both federal and state legislation. Youth in care between age 14 and 18 can access OKSA services. Youth who exit care after age 16 for any reason are eligible for most OKSA services until age 23. OKSA Education services, such as the Education & Training Voucher scholarship, may continue to age 26.
|
Assessments |
YD Funds |
Housing Assistance |
Extended Medical |
Referrals |
Tuition Waiver* |
ETV** |
OKSA Events |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Youth in Care |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||||
|
Reunified Youth |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Youth in Guardianship or Adoption |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Exited DHS Custody at 18 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Exited Tribal Custody at 18 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Others |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
* Must have been in DHS custody for at least 9 months between ages 16-18 and have obtained HS diploma from an Oklahoma accredited school or GED.
** Must have been in DHS or Tribal custody at age 16 and have graduated HS or obtained GED and be under 26.
Youth in Care>
This applies to youth in DHS or Tribal custody. Youth in care are eligible for OKSA assessments and resources. Once OKSA services are completed, youth between ages 14 and 18 who are in DHS or Tribal custody and out-of-home placement may begin accessing Youth Development funds to support their goals. They are also eligible to attend and participate in OKSA events, including Teen Conference. Beginning at age 17, OKSA assists with transition planning. Youth in Care may also participate in our Alumni Network.
Reunified Youth>
This applies to youth in DHS or Tribal custody. Youth in care are eligible for OKSA assessments and resources. Once OKSA services are completed, youth between ages 14 and 18 who are in DHS or Tribal custody and out-of-home placement may begin accessing Youth Development funds to support their goals. They are also eligible to attend and participate in OKSA events, including Teen Conference. Beginning at age 17, OKSA assists with transition planning. Youth in Care may also participate in our Alumni Network.
Youth in Guardianship or Adoption>
Youth who exit DHS or Tribal custody to guardianship or adoption after their 16th birthday are eligible for OKSA assessments. They may access most Youth Development funds to support their goals. They may also be eligible to attend and participate in OKSA events. Youth who have been entered guardianship or adoption may also participate in our Alumni Network. Young adults who have graduated from an accredited Oklahoma high school or obtained their GED and who were in DHS custody at least 9 months between age 16 – 18 are eligible for the Oklahoma Tuition waiver. Young adults who have graduated high school or obtained a GED and are not yet 26 years of age may be eligible for the Education and Training Voucher.
Exited Care at 18>
Youth who transition from care (DHS or Tribal custody) on or after their 18th birthday are eligible for extended medical coverage until age 26. They may also access Youth Development funds to support their goals, including housing assistance. They may also be eligible to attend and participate in OKSA events. Youth exiting care may choose to participate in our Alumni Network. Young adults who have graduated from an accredited Oklahoma high school or obtained their GED and who were in DHS custody at least 9 months between age 16 – 18 are eligible for the Oklahoma Tuition waiver. Young adults who have graduated high school or obtained a GED and are not yet 26 years of age may be eligible for the Education and Training Voucher.
Others>
Youth who exited care on or after their 16th birthday to a non-support DHS guardianship or adoption, emancipation, or any other reason remain eligible for many OKSA resources. They may access most Youth Development funds to support their goals. They may also be eligible to attend and participate in OKSA events. Youth in trial reunification or reunified may also participate in our Alumni Network. Young adults who have graduated from an accredited Oklahoma high school or obtained their GED and who were in DHS custody at least 9 months between age 16 – 18 are eligible for the Oklahoma Tuition waiver. Young adults who have graduated high school or obtained a GED and are not yet 26 years of age may be eligible for the Education and Training Voucher.