Preparing Foster Youth for the Future

Transitioning to adulthood and independence is exciting for every youth but can also be daunting and uncertain. This checklist is designed as a guide to identify the youth's assists and anticipate the challenges they will face transitioning into adulthood. Transition planning should be regularly revisited and revised and directed by the youth. 

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Louisiana CASA has developed a Transition Planning & Support Checklist to help CASA volunteers create a successful transition plan for their CASA youth. Use this checklist to keep track of the things your youth has already established and what else needs to be done. 

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Included in the Transition Planning & Support Checklist is a page dedicated to meeting dates and notes. Set up meeting times to ensure that your CASA youth is regularly checking-in and on the path towards success.​

2022 YTP Training

Below you will find the slides from the 2022 YTP Training hosted by Louisiana CASA. Kathleen Stewart Richey and Kayana "Keedy" Bradley go over the purpose of YTP, what to include in a plan, and additional resources.

Additional Resources

• Casey Life Skills Toolkit

• Casey Life Skills Assessment

• Foster Club's Transition Toolkit

• Foster Care Transition Toolkit, US Department of Education

• Open Table

• James Samaritan Life Network Youth Connection Center

• LEAF: Louisiana Elite Advocacy Force

• Relationships First: Creating Connections That Help Young People Thrive

Youth Transition Planning Resources

• DCFS Policy regarding post-secondary education 

• Chafee Training and Educational Voucher Program in Louisiana

• Foster Care to Success Scholarship opportunities  

• Foster Care Youth and Postsecondary Education: The Long Road Ahead

• Support for Foster Children’s Post-Secondary

• Pell Grants

Education Resources

• Explore LWC HIRE system for a comprehensive listing of job availability

• LinkedIn

• Indeed

Career Resources

• Housing Assistance Programs:  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD)

• The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative makes Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance available to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs) Accessing the public housing vouchers depends on DCFS working in conjunction with HUD. Learn more here.

• For local PHA click here.
  

Housing Resources

• Legal Issues: In Becoming an Adult the Louisiana State Bar Association answers general legal questions for youth on the rights and responsibilities of becoming an adult

• DCFS Youth Links: General information on services available to youth transitioning out of foster care

DCFS Policy

• Required Services for Youth in Foster Care

• Healthcare, Youth Transition Program, Ongoing CM After FC

• Youth Transitioning from Foster Care: Background and Federal Programs

General Resources