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Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living
Adolescents face a range of developmental issues, and as teens approach adulthood, living independently becomes a significant goal. While youth with intact families may struggle to achieve self-reliance, youth in out-of-home care face formidable obstacles. The following resources provide information on helping adolescents transition to adulthood and live independently.
- Programs
- Promising practices
- Support services for youth
- Resources for youth
- Staff training
- Extending out-of-home care for youth past age 18
The John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Offers a program description, highlights, and links to other resources.
National Resource Center for Youth Development
Works to increase the capacity and resources of States and Tribes to effectively help youth in care establish permanent connections and achieve successful transitions to adulthood.
National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
Collects case-level information on youth in care, including services paid for or provided by State agencies that administer the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, as well as outcome information on youth who are in or who have aged out of foster care.
Casey Family Programs
Provides an array of services for children and youth in foster care, including services that help youth make a successful transition to adulthood.
The Forum for Youth Investment
Aims to help communities and the nation make sure all young people are Ready by 21: ready for college, work and life.
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative
Brings together the people, systems, and resources necessary to help youth in foster care make successful transitions to adulthood by making grants, providing technical assistance, and advocating for improved policies and practices.
Program Instructions Related to Independent Living
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Clarifies and explains procedures and methods for operationalizing program policies, adds details to program regulations or policy requirements, and conveys to grantees program guidance on actions they are expected or required to take.
Solutions Desk: Helping Youth Transition
Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs
Offers sample documents, forms, and reports, provides information on collaborative models, grant opportunities, links to Federal websites, and other valuable resources.
State by State Facts
National Resource Center for Youth Development
Presents information on State coordinators, administration of Chafee dollars, services for youth over age 18, and more.
The Transition From Foster Care to Adulthood Wiki
University of Chicago Law School
Encourages information sharing among States, Tribes, and territories regarding legal and practical approaches to serving youth in foster care in their transition to adulthood. The site includes information on programs, age limits, discharge procedures, and juvenile court jurisdiction and practice.
Youth Transitions Resource Center
The Finance Project
Links to research, best practice, policy, and funding information to support former youth in foster care and their successful transition to adulthood.