Resources provide information on types of programs that serve youth aging out of out-of-home care, as well as tools and strategies for improving transition to adulthood and Independent Living programs.
Casey Life Skills
Casey Family Programs
Offers tools to help young people prepare for adulthood, including a life skills assessment in three languages, a guidebook to develop a learning plan, training, and other supplemental resources.
Housing Assistance for Youth Who Have Aged Out of Foster Care: The Role of the Chaffee Foster Care Independence Programs
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (2012)
Describes the Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program and how it assists youth as they age out of foster care and enter adulthood. The report includes information on housing assistance for youth and explores how the program works in conjunction with other sources of housing assistance.
Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care (PDF - 2,335 KB)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2014)
Examines the relationship between foster youth aging out of care and homelessness. The report also presents information on housing models that are most effective at preventing and ending homelessness among this population and ensuring successful transitions into adulthood for former foster youth.
Success Beyond 18: A Better Path for Young People Transitioning from Foster Care to Adulthood
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2013)
Explores a national campaign by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative that helps young people in foster care succeed as adults in work, family, and life.
Transition to Adulthood
Foundation for Foster Children (2017)
Assists transitioning youth ages 17 to 23 with basic needs and connects them to mentors for a 12-week program to help develop life skills and long-term goals.
Youth Transitioning from Foster Care: Background and Federal Programs (PDF - 1,249 KB
Congressional Research Service (2016)
Describes issues faced by foster youth transitioning out of care and provides information on Federal programs intended to help current and former foster youth make the transition to adulthood.
Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood Programs
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Provides information on programs to increase the skills, knowledge, and supports of youth who age out of the foster care system and plan to live on their own. The programs help with independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing.