Youth Transition Support Services MDCPS- Lowndes Unit

About

The Youth Transition Support Services (YTSS) division within the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) provides comprehensive transition planning, independent living resources, and educational funding for current and former foster youth. The program helps young people prepare for self-sufficiency as they transition out of state care and into adulthood:
Transitional Living & Independent Skills: Pairs youth with dedicated Transition Navigators to complete youth appraisals, life skills training, and personalized transition plans covering housing, employment, and community connections.
Post-Secondary Education & Funding: Coordinates major education assistance programs, including the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program (providing up to $5,000/year for college or vocational school) and the FAITH Scholarship (covering full cost-of-attendance expenses for former foster youth at Mississippi colleges).
Financial Literacy & Matched Savings: Partners with programs like Opportunity Passport to deliver money management education, bank account management, and dollar-for-dollar matched savings (up to $3,000) for approved housing, education, or vehicle purchases.
Youth Leadership & Advocacy: Sponsors the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and partners with Mississippi Youth Voice to train transition-age youth in leadership skills and legislative advocacy.
In-Care Stipends: Offers direct financial stipends for positive milestones, including high school graduation, GED attainment, college enrollment, senior year costs, and startup funds for independent living.

Essential details

Who is eligible

Current and former foster youth ages 14 to 26 who are in the custody of MDCPS or have transitioned out of Mississippi's child welfare system.

Spanish language support