Transition from Foster Care

According to a state report: “Research indicates that no group in the United States is more predictably headed for undesirable outcomes than young people who spend their adolescence in foster care. As young people leave foster care, all the available evidence suggests that they experience a set of problems that makes finding a niche in adult society an enormous challenge.” ¹

Toolkit Contents

This toolkit will help professionals, foster care providers, and families learn about the unique needs of children in foster care settings, as well as tips and resources to help children and young adults in these situations to avoid homelessness.

• Adolescents leaving foster care face enormous challenges »

 

There are 500 to 600 youth unaccompanied and homeless on any given night in Minnesota. More than half of them have lived in foster homes.

 

• The rights of youth in foster care »

 

There are several rights that youth have when entering placement, after they turn 16 years old, and when placement ends. There also are special considerations if youth are in placement at the time they turn 18 years old.

 

• Best practices for transitioning youth »

 

Service providers should follow these ten steps to improve their capacity to serve youth.

 

• Findings and recommendations »

 

A state examination of our communities’ system of care resulted in 3 broad themes of opportunities and 21 recommendations for improvement.

 

• Tips for caregivers »

 

There are several steps that caregivers can take to help young adults prepare for successful independent living.

 

• Additional resources »

 

The state contracts with several nonprofit agencies to serve youth up to age 21.