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Overview of this workshopToday we’ll cover: The Fostering Connections Law and new Federal requirements for transition planning The different categories youth need to plan for BEFORE they leave foster care How to create a transition plan The role Supportive Adults play How the secret to locating resources

The Fostering Connections law Most significant federal reforms in more than a decade Bipartisan Congressional champions and broad stakeholder support Youth voice / engagement

New Fostering Connections Requirements

‘‘during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date on which the child will

attain 18 years of age, or such greater age as the State may elect … a caseworker on

the staff of the State agency, and, as appropriate, other representatives of the child provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the direction of the child…

New Fostering Connections Requirements

… includes specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and

continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services, and is as detailed as the

child may elect.”

Why Transition Planning?When compared with their peers, research shows young people aging out of care are, on average, are: less likely to have a high school diploma less likely to pursue higher education more likely to have experienced economic hardships less likely to be earning a living wage more likely to have had a child without being married more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system

What’s in your wallet?You are attending a trade school which offers dorm-style living, reserved only for it’s full-time students. You begin to suffer severe panic attacks. The attacks keep you up most of the night and you are having problems getting up for classes in the morning.

Additional Fact #1:

You have received a letter from the school that

informs you that, because of the number of classes

you have missed, you may be expelled. If you are

expelled, you will lose your spot in the dorms.

Additional Fact #2:

The school does not have a Student Health Center, so a friend has suggested you try the Public Health department located five

miles away in the downtown area (the

friend said that they’ll only serve you if you can

show ID).

Additional Fact #3:

You’ve left foster care without any health

insurance. You spoke with the nearby Medical Center, they will require an up-front

payment of $85 to cover your initial office visit. He

said to expect the medication for Panic

Disorder to run about $120 per month.

Additional Fact #4:

After giving it six months, you have

decided that you don’t really like attending the school. You are thinking

that perhaps school is not for you, after all.

Additional Fact #5:

You have found out that the school will allow a

medical leave of absence for up to three months. Unfortunately,

you have no reliable bio-family that can help support you as you get

better.

Additional Fact #6:

Because you had not received your high school diploma, the trade school had you registered on a

track that would allow you to work on earning your

GED and trade school certificate at the same

time. You are still one test short of obtaining your GED

certificate.

Resources for youth in transition:

Would it have been helpful to be able to choose more than

two business cards for this youth?

Planning Worksheets

Use these templates to create a comprehensive transition plan

Ideas to help prepare

Personal GPS: A Transition Team

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

At what age do youth age-out or emancipate from foster care in our state?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

Is there any way to stay in foster care after this age?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

Suppose you leave foster care, but then run into challenges. Can you get back into foster care? How?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

How do you apply for money for higher education?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

Is there monetary assistance available for foster youth to get into their own apartment?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

How often are their court hearings where your foster care case is being discussed?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

Do youth have the right to attend these court hearings?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

Are youth aging out of foster care entitled to any sort of health insurance? For how long? How do you get it?

QUICK-FIRE TRIVIA

What if a young person wants help with mental health, including PTSD or anxiety attacks? Is it covered?

A Community of Support