How Case Aide Services Support Foster Families and Youth

Caring for foster youth is deeply meaningful, but it can also be complex. Many young people come into care with unique needs, past trauma, and ongoing challenges that can make daily routines and transitions more difficult. At the Y, we believe foster parents shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone. That’s where Case Aide services come in.

What Are Case Aide Services?

Case Aide services provide hands-on support to foster youth and their caregivers on a weekly basis, or as needed. These services are designed to help stabilize placements, support positive youth development, and reduce stress for foster families.

Once a placement in your home begins, a DCYF Social Worker conducts a rate assessment to determine the level of need the youth has and services they are eligible for (DCYF Rate Assessment). Needs include developmental disabilities and / or delays, behavioral and mental health concerns, and chronic medical conditions.  

When a youth has a rate assessment of Level 3 through Level 7, they qualify for Case Aide services. Once enrolled, families are paired with a trained Case Aide who meets with the youth based on the schedule set by the family. Case Aides collaborate closely with caregivers and the broader care team. Depending on the youth’s rate assessment level, services range from 9 to 20 hours per week.  

How Case Aides Support Foster Youth

Case Aides work directly with youth to provide structure, guidance, and encouragement.  

Support may include:

• Building life skills such as organization, communication, and emotional regulation   
• Supporting school engagement and positive behavior   
• Providing mentoring and consistent adult support   
• Helping youth practice coping skills and problem-solving strategies   
• Encouraging healthy routines and positive decision-making

This consistent, relationship-based support can make a significant difference in a young person’s confidence, behavior, and overall well-being.

How Foster Parents Benefit from Case Aide Support

Case Aide supports foster parents as much as they support youth. Foster parents often juggle appointments, school demands, family responsibilities, and emotional support for their household.  

Case Aides help by:

• Offering an extra layer of support for youth with higher needs   
• Reinforcing strategies already being used at home   
• Sharing insights and observations from weekly visits   
• Providing transportation as needed and available to and from appointments and / or school

Having another trained professional involved can help foster parents to feel more supported, confident, and connected.

Why Utilize Case Aide Services?

Foster youth with higher risk levels often need additional consistency and supervision to thrive. Case Aide services are designed to meet youth where they are, offering practical, relational support that complements the care foster parents already provide.

By utilizing Case Aide services, foster parents gain a partner focused on strengthening the placement, supporting the youth’s growth, and helping families succeed together.

Partnering for Positive Outcomes

At the Y, we believe that strong support systems create stronger outcomes for foster youth. Case Aide services are one more way we partner with foster families to promote stability, resilience, and success.

If you are caring for a foster youth with a Level 3–7 rate assessment, we encourage you to take advantage of this valuable service and learn how a Case Aide can support your family. Learn More >>