The following resources address ways to help transitioning youth receive appropriate job training, learn job application and interviewing skills, and maintain a rewarding career. Resources include State and local examples.
The Economic Well-Being of Youth Transitioning From Foster Care
Annie E. Casey Foundation & Child Trends (2017)
Reviews the barriers and challenges to education and employment faced by youth aging out of foster care and presents examples of effective policies that can help these youth successfully transition into adulthood.
Education, Employment, and the Military
Youth.gov
Provides information on education, training, and employment for transition-age youth and links to valuable resources for considering college, careers, and military service.
Employment Transition Plan for Foster Youth: A Collaborative Model of Practice (PDF - 4,198 KB)
Reese (2017)
San Francisco State University
Presents an amended employment transition plan to prepare youth aging out of foster care for the workforce.
Foster Care Transition Toolkit (PDF - 1,843 KB)
U.S. Department of Education (2016)
Provides information to older youth transitioning out of foster care. This guide includes a chapter dedicated to guiding youth in finding job and career support.
iFoster Jobs
iFoster (2020)
Offers services for youth in foster care to assess job readiness and match their skills to potential employers. The program also prepares youth for the workforce by offering training, housing, transportation, or a cell phone.
Job Corps Works for At-Risk Youth
National Job Corps Association (2016)
Describes how job corps provides at-risk youth, including those aging out of foster care, with the skills they need to enter the workforce.
Joining the Military: A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process (PDF - 566 KB)
View Abstract and Document
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2015)
Answers common questions youth in foster care or their caregivers may have about foster care and the military. The guide answers questions relating to requirements such as age, education, physical and mental health, military life, housing, and more.
Raising Employee Value – For Employers and Youth
Foster Success (2020)
Offers a career readiness program for youth in foster care and employers looking to hire them. The program is also available through a virtual training.
Supporting Young People Transitioning From Foster Care: Findings From a National Survey (PDF - 1,792 KB)
Fryar, Jordan, & DeVooght (2017)
Child Trends
Summarizes services and support provided by States to young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood. The report reviews services relating to developing employment and career skills, building financial capacity, finding housing, and more.
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care – Issue Brief 3: Employment Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (2019)
Discusses the importance of employment services for youth currently or formerly in foster care, as well as the types of programs and services offered in this area.
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 (2020)
Outlines services and resources to assist youth in foster care as they work toward self-sufficiency. The article provides information on education and training vouchers, employment and training programs, housing assistance, and health care.
| Series Title | Bulletins for Professionals |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 287KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2018 |
State and local examples
Empowering Foster Youth Through Career Readiness
Carolina Youth Development Center (2017)
Discusses a job readiness program in South Carolina that helps prepare youth in foster care for a career by placing them at different job sites across the State. Youth in foster care learn job interview skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge they will need to be successful in the workforce.
Helping Youth Transition From Out-of-Home Care to Adulthood: Best Practice Guide (PDF - 832 KB)
Minnesota Department of Human Services (2017)
Provides caseworkers with information and resources to assist youth in foster care with obtaining the necessary documents as dictated by Minnesota State law, including a high school diploma, health-care coverage, and a means of transportation.
Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division
Provides services to youth in foster care in Montana to help them achieve a successful transition into adulthood. Services include educational and vocational assistance, help with living arrangements, life skills assessments, and more.
Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA)
Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York (2020)
Offers a program for youth in foster care designed to help them develop the self-sufficiency they will need to be successful adults. The program includes workshops on topics such as finance, job preparedness, resume writing, job interview preparation, taxes, and more.
Resources for Transition Age Youth With Disabilities
California Department of Social Services (2020)
Highlights programs available to youth in California with disabilities as they transition out of the foster care system. The website reviews several programs relating to general supports, employment, and postsecondary education.
Youth Employment Opportunity Program
Foster Youth Help
Discussing job-training programs for current and former foster youth aged 14–21 in California.
Youth Skills for Life Curriculum
Project Life
Offers an online curriculum to help youth in foster care learn life skills to help them transition into adulthood. Lessons are related to career preparation, education, housing, health, nutrition, and more. The trainings are free to download.