FOSTERING FUTURES

LOCAL RESOURCES9-25-10

Voices For Children

Challenges Emancipating Youth Face:

Housing Employment Education Transportation Finances/Budgeting Health Insurance

Housing First things first, help your teen develop a housing

plan This means helping them to answer the following

questions: where do you plan on living? guardian or foster family? relative or family friend? In a transitional living program (TLP) ? Renting a room in someone’s home? Renting an apartment on your own? Renting an apartment with friends? On campus housing?

Help them to develop more than one option. Ensure they have a Plan A, B, and C

Housing Once they have their options, help them to break

down the steps to achieve those options. This includes:Who do they need to speak with? (family, friends, social

worker, ILS worker, etc.)Where do they go to find affordable housing? What

location do I want? Is it near public transportation? School?

How to fill out a rental application, what a lease looks likeDo they need a referral to TLP’s? How?

If possible, try to have at least one option be to apply to a TLP!

Transitional Living Programs

Subsidized housing for former foster youth Teach youth the responsibility of living on their own Typically serve youth ages 18-24 and allow youth

to be in the program anywhere from 18-24 months. There are usually rules and requirements the youth

must follow It is a program and it is designed that way. Most

youth are required to either work or attend school Youth who apply should attend an orientation and

learn all that is expected of them.

Transitional Living Programs

Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+)Emancipated foster/probation youth ages 18-24,

must have “aged out” of the system24 cumulative months of serviceCWS/Probation case must close prior to moving

inSubsidized/affordable housingIndividual/Group therapy availableSupportive Transitional Emancipation Program

(STEP-TILP)MentoringCase Management

Transitional Living Programs

Referrals to community resources and pregnancy/parenting resources

“Permanent Connections” support services with family and/or community

Food necessities allowance, furniture Emancipation savings accountReferral process, made by ILS worker,

HHSA social worker, county probation officer

Transitional Living Programs

Turning Point, YMCA Youth and Family Services http://www.yfs.ymca.org/residential-services/turning-point-tlp.html Serves homeless males and females, or former foster youth until

the age of 21 for 18 months Program is designed to move youth from homelessness to self-

sufficiency Education and employment assistance On-site counseling and case management Semi-supervised shared apartment living, furniture provided, max

rent 30% of the youth’s income SDG&E paid for by YMCA, other utilities the youth are

responsible for Orientations on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 3-5 pm.

No RSVP required, but youth are encouraged to call for more information. They may be turned away if they arrive late

Transitional Living Programs

Tommie’s Place, YMCA Youth and Family Services http://www.yfs.ymca.org/residential-services/tommies-place.html Pregnant or parenting youth, former foster youth included, ages

18-21 years old, children must be between ages 0-5 years old Can remain in program for 18 months Helps youth to achieve self-sufficiency with a focus on positive

parenting Semi-supervised shared apartment living, furniture provided,

max rent is 30% of youth’s income SDG&E paid by YMCA, other utilities the youth are responsible

for On-site counseling and case management services Education and employment assistance Daily independent living skills education and parenting classes Orientation on 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month from 3-5pm

Transitional Living Program

Mary’s House, YMCA Youth and Family Serviceshttp://www.yfs.ymca.org/residential-services/marys-h

ouse-tlp.html24 month program serving young women ages 18-24

who have emancipated from the foster care system **no pregnant/parenting youthSemi-supervised living in a 6 bedroom houseRent is 30% of your incomeOn-site case management and counselingEducation and employment assistanceDaily independent living skills educationReferral required by social worker or ILS worker

Transitional Living Programs

Take Wing, San Diego Youth Services http://www.sdyouthservices.org/site/PageServer?pagename=take

wing Youth ages 16-24 who are either homeless, parenting, or aging

out of foster care 18 month program located in the Pt. Loma area Affordable apartment living, furnished Rent is 30% of gross monthly income, telephone bill and SDG&E

are youth’s responsibility Case management and counseling Independent living skills training that focuses on practical and

usable skills Somewhat lengthy application process which includes attending

an info session, requesting an application, a referral from a county social services agency, and two interviews

Orientation/Info Session on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm

Transitional Living Programs

Trolley Trestle, South Bay Community Services http://www.southbaycommunityservices.org/youth-services.php Former foster youth and/or homeless youth ages 16-24 Until age 21, or for 18 months Affordable housing, rent is 25% of gross monthly income 10% of their income must be put in a savings account SDG&E is paid by Trolley Trestle, telephone bill and other

utilities are youth’s responsibility ILS Services Job readiness training One-on-one tutoring Case management and counseling services Orientation is 2nd Wednesday of every month from 3-5 pm, youth

must call in advance

Transitional Living Programs

Sylvia’s Placehttp://www.homeaidsd.org/sylvias-place.aspxFormer foster youth ages 18-2424 month programShared apartment living, furnishedRent varies among youthUtilities are youth’s responsibilityRequired to either work or attend schoolIndependent living skills educationMust be referred by social worker or ILS worker

Transitional Living Programs

New Directions, Casa de Amparohttp://www.casadeamparo.org/programs/new-dire

ctions.htmlEmancipated foster youth ages 18-24Mission is to equip young people to develop

healthy and effective lifestyles and skillsStable housing, furnishings, and basic necessitiesEducation, employment, and career guidanceMoney management Independent living skills trainingRelationship mediationPhysical and mental health support

Job Corps, Imperial Beach

• FREE residential vocational training program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24

• Must be legal U.S. resident• Living & Clothing Allowances• Opportunities to obtain H.S. diploma and GED• Medical, dental and vision care• Books, work clothing and tools• Child Care (for non-resident students only)• Tours every non-holiday Wednesday at 12:45 pm, no

appointment needed

• http://sandiego.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

Housing Resources San Diego Housing Commission

www.sdhc.netThe housing commission can help low income

individuals and families find subsidized housing. If a youth is pregnant or parenting it is encouraged they get on the Section 8 list. There is a waitlist!

Just In Time, www.jitfosteryouth.orgNon-profit that provides small home furnishing

for youth’s first apartment, lap-top computers, and emergency financial assistance

Housing Resources SDG&E CARE Program

This program offers a 20% discount to income eligible individuals on their gas and electric bills

800.411.7343 SBC Universal Lifeline Services

This program provides low income individuals basic home telephone services at half the cost

800.310.2355

Employment Prior to emancipation there are several things CASA’s

can do to help their youth gain employment Write a resume and cover letter-there are several helpful

websites that can help them design their resume. Take them to the library and work on one! ○ http://www.free-resume-example.com/

Practice filling out basic job applications-this can occur both online or using a master application.

Help find personal references- references are important in jobs! Help youth to identify three people that would give them a positive reference, and have them ask those people to write letters of recommendation!

Expose youth to job search engines- San Diego Jobs, Craigslist, etc. Show them how to get to these websites and how to use them!

EmploymentPractice interview questions- Complete a mock

interview with youth, teach them the importance of punctuality, appropriate dress

Create an employment binder- this would consist of practice interview questions, job applications, a list of jobs they have applied to, letters of recommendation, copies of their important documents like ID, birth certificate, etc. (psst…get sheet protectors!!)

Persistence!!- It is difficult to search for a job. Remind them to not give up and be persistent. Call back after an interview, thank you note, following up regularly

Employment Resources One Stop Career Center Youth Services-

http://www.sandiegoatwork.com/index.html These centers work with the San Diego Workforce Partnership

and provide services to youth ages 14-21. These services include job search assistance, information, referrals, workshops, career exploration

Regional Occupation Program (ROP)

Job training classes held at local high schools and colleges

Open to all residents of San Diego age 16 and older

High school students may receive H.S. credit

3D computer animation, accounting, business, web design, culinary arts, automotive technology, child development & much more

www.sdcoe.net/rop

Education High School Diploma

If at all possible, ensure that each foster youth leaves the system with a high school diploma, if this is not possible there are other options:○ Adult School- Youth can take classes that would earn

them a high school diploma. Help them get signed up and ready to go prior to their emancipation.

○ GED- Youth can take the GED. This is a pretty difficult and lengthy test. GED exams are typically administered by local Adult schools. Help the youth get signed up for GED prep courses and registered for their exam date. ILS has funding to cover the cost of this exam, as it can be approximately $150.

Higher Education College!!

There are many things CASA’s can do to help their case children be ready for college.

CASAs and youth should use a 9-12 grade college planning guide at:

http://www.cacollegepathways.org/

Most State and UC college applications cost approximately $50. Students may obtain a waiver from their H.S. counselor to waive the cost of college applications and SAT fees

Financing College Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is

filled out during a student’s senior year and helps determine the amount of aid he/she will get. This must be filled out in time to always ensure the best amount of aid possible. The deadline is almost always March 2nd. The most important feature to remember on this form are questions regarding the youth’s dependency status. Please refer to this website for help: http://www.nasfaa.org/redesign/fanight/pdfs/fosteryouth.pdf

A youth is considered a dependent if they were a “ward/dependent/in foster care” at any time after their 13th birthday.

Financing College CHAFEE Grant: California Chafee Program

Must apply online around the same time as the FAFSA. The FAFSA must be submitted in order to submit this application as well. This grant is provided to former foster youth who were in foster care any time between the ages of 16 and 18. This is a grant that can provide up to $5000 per year for four years through the age of 22. This grant does not need to be paid back. You do need to remain enrolled in school at least part-time and reapply every year in order to continue receiving the yearly grant. The money can be used for anything, including books, transportation, housing, food, etc.

https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/

Financing College Cal Grants

Financial aid funded by the state of California for the attendance of California colleges.

Grants are given based on grades and financial need

Must complete the FAFSA in order to submit the application for the grant

Some schools submit the forms electronically, it is best to check with the school counselor

www.csac.ca.gov: for more information and the paper application form

Financing College Guardian Scholars Programs

Guardian Scholars programs are amazing programs when there is funding for them. The primary goal of the program is to provide extra assistance and supports to the students through tuition assistance, housing, tutoring, etc.

Some of the programs offer year-round housing on campus and support for off campus housing

There is a separate application process for the Guardian Scholars Programs and often must be completed along with the general college application.

Financing College Board of Governor’s Grant (BOG)

This is to help waive enrollment fees and put money toward some books and other supplies when applying or enrolling in a California community college. This is usually filled out alongside with the community college application itself.

http://www.cccapply.org/ EOP/EOPS : Extended Opportunity Program

ServicesThis is available at most community college campuses

and universities. They can assist with book vouchers, cash grants, emergency loans, fee waiver, tutoring, etc.

Continuing Education Support Services

FACE Your Future San Diego:

www.faceyourfuturesandiego.orgProvides free college counseling to current

and former foster youth in San DiegoSeveral workshops on the FAFSA, college

applications & SATsDetailed college planning guideContinuing Ed. Sat. Oct 23rd at VFC

Transportation It is very difficult for teens in foster care to get their

drivers licenses, thus transportation becomes a challenge

Encourage your case children to speak with their ILS workers and see if they can get passes for the bus and trolley

Teach them how to use public transportationRide the route with them!! www.sdcommute.com; gives bus route and trolley

infoPublic transportation may be frustrating, but helping

youth get familiar with the process will only make them more comfortable and encourage them to take advantage of what is available

Transportation If your case children plan on getting their

license at 18, educate them on the process and what is requiredDrivers License Requirements for 18 and over:

○ Pass a written exam ○ Pass vision exam○ Pass drivers exam(the car they take the test in must

be registered and insured)○ Insurance!

Go through DMV booklets (available at DMV for free) with your case children

If they plan on buying a car, educate your case children on how to buy a car safely and wisely

Finances/Budgeting If age appropriate, help them open a

checking and savings account **Note**: Most banks require an adult’s signature if a minor is opening an account! CASA’s cannot be that signature!

Bank of America allows students to open up an account without an adult’s signatureSome branches will give a great tutorial for youth

Checking and savings account requirements:Social Security NumberPhoto ID (CA ID, picture school ID, etc)Minimum initial deposit

Finances/Budgeting Teach them how to balance a checkbook Go over their bank’s rules with them:

Overdraft fees? ATM fees? Minimum balance requirement?

Educate them on credit cards!! Interest, building credit, credit scores, etc.

Do they need a credit check?The only reputable and free website for credit checks is

www.annualcreditreport.com. Allows one free credit check per year.

The Agency could possibly be helping transitioning youth through this process prior to emancipation, Ask the Social Worker First!

Financial Resources

For immediate financial assistance, youth can contact the Public Assistance Info Line at 866-262-9881 or 858-514-6885

Youth can also go to the Health and Human Services Family Resource Centers located throughout San Diego County to determine if they are eligible for cash aid or food stampswww.sdcounty.ca.gov

Financial Resources

Opportunity PassportFinancial literacy program for current and

former foster youth ages 16-26Participants have the opportunity to save

money and have their savings matched up to $500 per year

Must have social security card, photo ID, and ability to save a minimum amount of income

For more info contact Susie Terry at

858-503-2638

Health Insurance Medi-Cal is automatically available for those

youth who emancipate from the foster care system until the age of 21; however it should be verified upon emancipation

Medi-Cal must have a current address at all times, otherwise the insurance will be terminatedEach youth should contact Medi-Cal at 800-541-5555

each time they moveOr they can contact their Medi-Cal worker, if they do

not know their worker they can call the ACCESS Line at 866-262-9881

Health Insurance Health and Education Passport

Document that lists all immunizations received, medical/dental visits, and a list of each school attended

Each youth should receive this document upon emancipation-they will need it!!

CASA’s can help to ensure each youth is up to date on all medical and dental exams prior to emancipation

CASA’s can also help ensure that youth know how to refill their medications, make appointments, and how to access Medi-Cal when needed

More Local ResourcesAging Out Guide, updated Feb. 2010 by Casey Family Services

A resource guide for transitional age youth, includes information on transitional housing, college and vocational planning, financial aide, scholarships, Medi-Cal, mental health services, just about everything!

Independent Living Skills (ILS) Website Includes a contact list of all the ILS workers, their phone

numbers, addresses, and office locations

Includes list of ILS drop-in centers located by region

www.fosteringchange.org

Upcoming Small Groups & Cont. Ed. Transitional Planning for Youth

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010, 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

Where: VFC Training Room

What: Representatives from FACE your Future San Diego and HHSA Independent Living Skills (ILS) will be discussing the resources that are available to our teens.

RSVP: Jane Wehrmeister, janew@voices4children.com

What You Should Know About Group

Homes When: Wednesday, Nov. 17th 12:00-1:30pm

Where: HERE! VFC Training Room

RSVP: Angelita Ford angelitaa@voices4children.com