Transition of Foster Teens to Adulthood
Each year, more than 20,000 children "age out" of the foster care system. At age 18 or when they graduate from high school, many foster children are required to leave the system and face the abrupt end of their federal and state funding. Not surprisingly, these young adults are particularly vulnerable to drugs, crime and early pregnancy.
Casey Family Services helps foster youth prepare for the transition and make plans for their future. Equally important, we continue to help these young people after the transition. Our transition services include everything from housing assistance to counseling.
Casey Family Services and the New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors convened "The Road to Independence" conference in December 1999. More than 85 people from six states shared their experiences and ideas about helping youth make the transition from foster care to independent living. The conference included the release of two important documents: A Framework for Independent Living Programs and Services and the Casey Family Services Foster Care Alumni Study.
The New Hampshire Division collaborated with Lutheran Family Services to expand an independent living group and established an Independent Living Steering Committee. The Maine Division's Wilderness Work Project provided 16 youth from six Divisions with an opportunity to learn valuable work-readiness and conflict-resolution skills.
Casey Family Services Summary of Life Skills and Transitions Activities in Each Division, September 2003
Permanency for Teens: New York City's Emerging Policy
Generation Excellence: A New Foster Care Alumni Network is Born!
Ginny Stephens, Casey foster alumna, describes the new steering committee of former foster youth that is creating a national alumni network of former foster children.
More
Someplace to Belong: Adolescents and Foster Care in Massachusetts
Background materials for a very successful legislative briefing provide a thorough briefing on Massachusetts teens in foster care and recommendations for improving their chances for success.
Executive Summary
Complete Report
Todd's Excellent Adventure
This 18 year old's eight-month voyage aboard a 19th-century schooner prepared him for life after foster care. "You learn to be independent," says Todd, "because you're forced to do stuff on your own."
Capturing the Moment (pdf)
Luke turned his interest in photography into a business that is helping him make a successful transition from foster care.
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