Family Unification Program (FUP)
1. Families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in:
- a. The imminent placement of the family’s child or children in out-of-home care, or
- b. The delay in the discharge of the child or children to the family from out-of-home care.
2. Youth at least 18 years old and not more than 21 years old who left foster care at age 16 or older and who lack adequate housing. FUP vouchers used by youth are limited, by statute to 18 months of housing assistance.
The Waukegan Housing Authority (WHA) administers the FUP in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs) who are responsible for referring FUP families and youths to the WHA for determination of eligibility for rental assistance. Once the PCWA makes the referral the WHA places the FUP applicant on its waiting list, determines whether the family or youth meets HCV program eligibility requirements, and conducts all other processes relating to voucher issuance and administration.
In addition to rental assistance, supportive services must be provided by the PCWA to FUP youths for the entire 18 months in which the youth participates in the program; examples of the skills targeted by these services include money management skills, job preparation, educational counseling, and proper nutrition and meal preparation.