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Welcome to
ShakaTown.com
This is Hawaii’s state network community to connect and help youth who are or were in Hawaii's foster care system.

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Our Town's Mission...
Helping our youth make the transition from foster care to independent living.

Help | Contact Us

Rights of Children in Foster Care

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As a child or youth in Hawai'i's Child Welfare Services Foster Care system, you have the following rights: Rights of Children in Foster Care (PDF)

Graduation  Higher Education Students can now apply online for benefits to assist with the cost of attending an instituition of higher education:


For More Information:

*** Letter of Intent for Higher Ed Break Activity

Nytd-1  NYTD

The National Youth in Transition Database Survey (NYTD): share information to help improve services to youth in foster care and earn some money at the same time.

For More Information about NYTD Click Here

Credit-report-checklist-64   Annual Credit Report Request your FREE annual credit report.
It's QUICK, EASY and SECURE.

annualcreditreport.com

Moneycalculator64   Money Smarts

Helps youths learn the basics of handling their money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions. Equipping young people in their formative years with the basics of financial education can give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to manage their finances once they enter the real world.

Money Smart - A Financial Education Program

News & Events

Apr 25, 2023  

Fall 2023 ETV 

May 1, 2023 -  ShakaTown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 21, 2023 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 20, 2023 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

  • AGE: 18 through 26
  • Meets one of these legal statuses
    • Aged/Transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
    • Adopted at age 16 or older
    • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance
Apr 05, 2023  

Worshop Flyer
Mar 01, 2023  

HYPE

HYPE
Nov 22, 2022  

Spring 2023 ETV 

Nov 1, 2022 -  ShakaTown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 13, 2023 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

  • AGE: 18 through 25
  • Meets one of these legal statuses
    • Aged/Transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
    • Adopted at age 16 or older
    • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance
Sep 07, 2022  

APPLY NOW

Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation

 

The Trustees of the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation are interested in assisting students that have been in the foster care system. Mr. and Mrs. Geist grew up independently and their successes in life came through their own personal efforts. Because of the Geists' own childhood experiences, you have been selected in recognition of the strides you have taken to succeed and to give you encouragement to continue your efforts.

Requirements:

  • Have a primary residence in Hawaii
  • Plan to attend a two or four-year college, university, or vocational school
  • Plan to enroll at least half-time (equivalent of 6 or more credits per semester)
  • Submit a letter from a Department of Human Services case worker verifying your past and/or present placement in foster care within the State of Hawaii.  Youth who have been legally adopted or reunited with their birth families before the age of fourteen (14) are not eligible for support under this program.  The letter from your case worker should specifically document that:
    1) you are or were in the foster care system in Hawaii.
    2) you were not adopted or permanently reunited with your birth parents prior to your 14th birthday.  A statement from your case worker that you either did or will  "age out" of foster care is sufficient for this purpose if it applies to your case.
  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.

Spring Geist Flyer

Videos

You Cannot get HIV Ladatt!

Starring Augie T and Kutmaster Spaz

Part 1 Part 2

`Ohana is Forever V: Our Next Steps
Working Together to Improve Outcomes for Transitioning Foster Youth in Hawai'i

For more Information Ittakesanohana.org/2011/10/2183/

Family Findings

The Kalani Story

Family Findings will help reconnect youth with their lost relatives. Coming Soon to ShakaTown!!!!

If you are a youth looking for a lost relative, please contact your social worker.