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Providing Support Services for Youth in Transition

Transitioning from out-of-home care can be an exciting yet terrifying experience for youth. As young people age out of foster care, ensuring they receive guidance and support when facing life’s challenges can help prepare them for self-sufficiency. Use the following resources to learn more about the types of supports that can benefit youth as they transition to adulthood.

  • College scholarships and support for higher education
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  • Youth with disabilities

Currently in Foster Care?
Visit Resources for Youth

Transitioning Out of Care?
Find Resources to Help

Casey Life Skills Toolkit
Casey Family Programs (2022)
Offers tools to assess the skills youth need to achieve their long-term goals. The toolkit can be used to help youth and empower them on their journey toward independence. 

Economic Impact Payments: Frequently Asked Questions 
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (2021) 
Provides information on Economic Impact Payments distributed to Americans in 2021. If youth did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by May 17, 2021, they have 3 years from the deadline to file. 

Helping Youth in Care Feel Connected and Empowered 
Mammina (2021)
Texas Youth Permanency Study 
Presents findings from a study on youth transitioning out of foster care that showed connections with peers contributed to academic success and well-being and are essential for a successful transition to adulthood.  

The Importance of Cultural Identity for Foster Youth  
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services (2021) 
Discusses the importance of cultural identity as part of a youth’s identity and describes ways those working with youth can promote cultural identity.

In It for the Long Haul: Creating and Sustaining Long-Term Relationships for Youth in Foster Care 
Youth Collaboratory (2019) 
Explains the importance of mentoring relationships for youth transitioning out of out-of-home care and links to a toolkit that child welfare professionals can use when working with transition-age youth. 

Older Youth Housing, Financial Literacy and Other Supports
National Conference of State Legislatures (2020)
Provides information on efforts by States to improve the lives of older youth in foster care through the extension of foster care beyond age 18, reentry into foster care, youth engagement, education, and more.

Tip Sheet on Responding to Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Needs (PDF - 317 KB)
Division X Technical Assistance (2022)
Provides information for child welfare professionals addressing the mental health needs of youth and young adults who are involved with the child welfare system or transitioning from foster care into adulthood. The tip sheet reviews trauma-informed approaches, cultural and systemic barriers to supports, and more.

Transition and Aging Out  
Youth.gov 
Offers a series of resources and information for youth transitioning out of care to help them get on a successful path to adulthood. 

Using What We Know to Better Support Transition-Age Youth in Foster Care
Pokempner (2021)
Children’s Bureau Express, 22(1)
Explores ways the child welfare system can serve transition-age youth, including through building relationships, empowering young people, and reimagining transition services to include a continuum of supports and resources until at least age 26. 

What Available Supports and Resources Are in Place for Youth Transitioning From Foster Care?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2021)
Reviews information for young adults transitioning out of foster care and supports available to them concerning housing, finances, employment, mental health, and other topics. 

Working With Youth to Develop a Transition Plan

Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 287KB)
Order (Free)
Year Published
2018
Helps child welfare professionals and others who work with transitioning youth to understand the Federal legislative requirements for transition plans and partner with youth to develop a plan over time and through close youth engagement that builds on their strengths while supporting their needs.

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Spotlight On

Episode 66: Aging Out – Healing, Preparing, and Supporting Youth in Foster Care, Part 1

Child Welfare Information Gateway (2021)

Episode 67: Aging Out – Healing, Preparing, and Supporting Youth in Foster Care, Part 2

Child Welfare Information Gateway (2021)

Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18
Child Welfare Information Gateway
(2022)

Using Your Voice: A Guide for Youth on Participating in Case Planning
Child Welfare Information Gateway
(2021)

Related Content

Youth

Working With Children, Youth, and Families in Permanency Planning

Creating and Maintaining Meaningful Connections

Resources for Youth

Supporting Your Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty

Resources for Professionals and Others Supporting Young People During Times of Uncertainty

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