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.
Promoting Successful Transition From Foster/Group Home Settings to Independent Living Among Pregnant and Parenting Teens: Summary Report (PDF - 140 KB)
Max & Paluzzi (2005)
Presents the findings of a study that investigated essential components and program characteristics for promoting successful transitions to independent living among pregnant and parenting teens. Includes recommendations for strategic approaches, training, and advocacy.
Serving Youth Aging Out of Foster Care (PDF - 142 KB)
Sherman (2004)
Identifies issues and strategies to consider when investing in youth-serving programs, discusses funding sources used by different States and localities, and provides examples of innovative practices in the field.
State Policies to Help Youth Transition Out of Foster Care (PDF - 230 KB)
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (2007)
Discusses seven options for States to expand services to youth in foster care in their transition to adulthood, including examples of State initiatives in each area. Also highlights the importance of youth engagement in program planning and cross-system approaches to better serve youth.
Thickening the Safety Net: Key Elements to Successful Independent Living Programs for Young Adults Aging Out of Foster Care (PDF - 274 KB)
Pitchal
St. John's Journal of Legal Commentary, 23(2), 2008
Explores the challenges youth in foster care face when they age out of foster care, the mismatch between policies and needs of adolescents aging out of foster care, and strategies States and agencies are implementing to serve aging-out youth.