Teens Aging Out of Care

Follow

• 

  Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  Young people leaving foster care are often at different levels of development in their transition to adulthood. With the growing recognition that most young people are not fully prepared for self-sufficiency at age 18, States offer a variety of programs, including foster care, to this population. This publication presents State laws and policies regarding services and assistance that support youth in making the transition to successful adulthood and that provide youth the ability to voluntarily extend their placement in out-of-home care. This publication presents a general overview of this aspect of child welfare law. Summaries of laws on this topic for all individual States and U.S. territories are available from the State Statutes Search page.

  This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, additional information on these topics may be in other sections of a State's code as well as agency regulations, case law, and informal practices and procedures.

• 

  Social Media-Tips for Youth in Foster Care

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  This factsheet briefly describes the advantages and challenges youth in foster care may encounter when using social media. Issues that should be considered and tips for handling issues are also offered.

  This publication is also available in Spanish.

• 

  Using Your Voice: A Guide for Youth on Participating in Case Planning

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  Youth in foster care should be involved in decision making and case planning throughout their time in the child welfare system. They should make decisions, lead discussions, and work toward their goals with the assistance and guidance of supportive adults. This factsheet is intended to help youth in foster care speak up about their wants, needs, concerns, questions, goals, and ambitions. It provides information about how to engage with the child welfare system at the individual case level and through greater advocacy efforts.

• 

  Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  This publication examines State laws and policies regarding the programs that support youth who are in foster care or have been in foster to achieve their educational goals. The issues addressed include support for finishing high school; planning for postsecondary education; and accessing financial supports for postsecondary education, including Federal grants, education and training vouchers, and State tuition waivers. This publication presents a general overview of this aspect of child welfare law. Summaries of laws on this topic for all individual States and U.S. territories are available from the State Statutes Search page.

  This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, additional information on these topics may be in other sections of a State's code as well as agency regulations, case law, and informal practices and procedures

• 

  Preventing, Identifying, and Treating Substance Use Among Youth in Foster Care

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  Youth in foster care often face multiple challenges that place them at increased risk of using substances. This bulletin provides child welfare professionals with information about the extent and effects of substance use among youth in foster care, ways to identify substance use, how to support youth in care who currently use or are at high risk for using substances, and strategies for prevention. It also addresses why and how you can collaborate with professionals in other fields.

• 

  Belonging Matters-Helping Youth Explore Permanency

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  This bulletin seeks to inform the work of child welfare and adoption professionals as they help youth in foster care explore their permanency options and the value of secure permanent connections. Based on interviews with young people who were either adopted from foster care or who aged out of the system, the bulletin explores the beliefs, concerns, and emotions that motivate youth to seek or to avoid legal or relational permanency.

  Acknowledgment(s): This bulletin was developed with the assistance of AdoptUSKids staff and young people from the AdoptUSKids Speaker's Bureau as well as staff and youth advocates from the North American Council on Adoptable Children.

• 

  Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents

  Child Welfare Information Gateway

  The transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency can be challenging for any young person but can be particularly daunting for those who have been living in foster care. Foster parents can help youth in their care prepare for any upcoming challenges. This factsheet provides guidance on how foster parents can help youth build a foundation for a successful transition to adult life outside of foster care. It describes the challenges youth face, how the adolescent brain affects them during this time, and Federal laws and programs. It also provides concrete ways they can partner with youth.

  This publication is also available in Spanish.