Resources provide information on programs and strategies to help transitioning youth develop the life skills they will need as they become self-sufficient adults. Resources include State and local examples.
Aging Out of Foster Care: 18 and On Your Own
Shared Justice (2017)
Provides information on youth aging out of foster care and their need to develop life skills through various means including mentoring, nonprofit organizations, universities, and government 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.
Transitioning and Aging Out
Youth.gov
Supports efforts to build the skills required to live independently and provides resources for youth aged 16-24 who are experiencing challenges as they transition to adulthood.
State and local examples
Independent Living Skills
Community Youth Services (2017)
Describes a program that provides basic life skills training and support to youth who are or have been in foster care in Washington. The program is designed to enhance a youth's ability to live independently and includes trainings on topics such as goal setting, money management, health care, transportation, self-esteem, and decision-making.
Inspire Life Skills Training
Provides housing assistance and life skills training, including education and employment support to youth aging out of the foster care system in California. Participants in the program live independently and participate in group and individual life skills instruction. They receive counseling, healthcare access, and mentoring to help them become self-sufficient.
Life Skills Development Program
Valley Youth House (2017)
Assists young people transitioning out of foster care in Pennsylvania by providing group and individual life skills and career instruction and support. The program also provides workshops as well as cultural and wellness programs for youth.
Life Skills for Youth & Young Adults
Child Focus, Inc. (2017)
Offers life skills training in education, career planning, self-care and interpersonal relationships for youth transitioning out of foster care in Ohio. The program helps youth overcome social, emotional, and physical barriers that interfere with positive adult functioning.
Preparing Youth for Adulthood Program
Cardinal McCloskey Community Services
Prepares young people in New York for the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency with programs that include workshops, life-skills retreats, and more.
Silver Lining Mentoring
Empowers youth in foster care and those aging out of the system in Massachusetts with mentoring relationships that aim to develop essential life skills.
Youth Skills for Life Curriculum
Project Life, the Virginia Department of Social Services
Provides access to an independent living skills curriculum for youth transiting out of foster care. The skills learned relate to career preparation, employment, education, health and nutrition, housing and home management, money management, and more.