Rights of Children in Foster Care
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)
*** Letter of Intent for Higher Ed Break ActivityNYTD
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
Annual Credit Report
Request your FREE annual credit report.
It's QUICK, EASY and SECURE.
annualcreditreport.com
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
May 13, 2026
Fall 2026 ETV
Important!!! We are currently waiting for information from our federal partners about funding for ETV Awards, which may delay the issuance of benefit checks or affect whether any funding will be available.
In the meantime, please complete applications normally and we will keep you posted if any new information comes in.
Mahalo for your patience, and for your AWE-INSPIRING PERSEVERANCE! HO'OMAU! ♥
May 1, 2026-SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications
TBA- Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents].
TBA– 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.
If students were awarded the maximum amount of $5,000 in Fall ---they will not be eligible for any ETV award in Spring.
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 (up to 26th BD)
Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
Adopted at age 16 or older
Legal guardianship to a kin 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
Dec 01, 2025
Spring 2026 ETV
December 1, 2025-SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications
January 12, 2026- Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents].
January 26, 2026– 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.
If students were awarded the maximum amount of $5,000 in Fall 2025---they will not be eligible for any ETV award in Spring 2026.
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 (up to 26th BD)
Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
Adopted at age 16 or older
Legal guardianship to a kin 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
Nov 03, 2025
Important ETV update
Aloha Young People,
The Spring 2026 Higher Education and ETV application is now open!
For ETV
The Department of Human Services is currently reviewing the availability of ETV funding.
You are encouraged to apply for ETV, but please note that ETV will only be approved and disseminated if funding is available.
We hope to provide an update at the beginning of December on the availability of ETV funds for Spring 2026. We appreciate your patience!
Higher Education payments are NOT affected by this and you can continue to apply for Higher Education.
Basic eligibility criteria for ETV:
AGE: 18 through 25 (up to 26th BD)
Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
Adopted at age 16 or older
Legal guardianship to a kin 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 24, 2025
Jul 22, 2025
Fall2025 ETV
August 31, 2025- Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents].
September 25, 2025 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date
Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year (Fall 25 & Spring 26) 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 (up to 26th BD)
Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
Adopted at age 16 or older
Legal guardianship to a kin 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
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.
If you are a youth looking for a lost relative, please contact your social worker.
Welcome to 
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)
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.
Annual Credit Report
Request your FREE annual credit report.
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
