Can a foster youth open a bank account without an adult?

Acadia’s Guiding Star accounts help eligible youth in Maine’s foster care system gain access to banking services and build the financial skills they’ll need for greater independence.

What are Guiding Star accounts?
Guiding Star Savings and Checking Accounts are designed for youth ages 14–18 in Maine’s foster care system who are working with a DHHS Youth Transition Specialist (YTS) and do not have a trusted adult who can be joint on an account with them.

What is the purpose of a Guiding Star account?
Guiding Star accounts give eligible youth access to their own bank account while helping them learn to manage money responsibly, set savings goals, and protect themselves from fraud and scams.

Who is eligible for a Guiding Star account?
Youth ages 14–18 who are in the foster care system and working with a DHHS Youth Transition Specialist (YTS) may be eligible.

Do I need an adult to be joint on the account?
No. Guiding Star accounts were created specifically for eligible youth who do not have a trusted adult available to be joint on their account.

How do I open a Guiding Star account?
Talk with your DHHS Youth Transition Specialist about opening a Guiding Star account with Acadia Federal Credit Union.