1. Fostering Futures Local Resources 9-25-10
Voices For Children
Fostering Futures Local Resources

2. Challenges Emancipating Youth Face:
Housing
Employment
Education
Transportation
Finances/Budgeting
Health Insurance

3. 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

4. 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 like
Do they need a referral to TLP’s? How?
If possible, try to have at least one option be to apply to a TLP!

5. Transitional Living Programs
Subsidized housing for former foster youth
Teach youth the responsibility of living on their own
Typically serve youth ages and allow youth to be in the program anywhere from 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.

6. Transitional Living Programs
Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+)
Emancipated foster/probation youth ages 18-24, must have “aged out” of the system
24 cumulative months of service
CWS/Probation case must close prior to moving in
Subsidized/affordable housing
Individual/Group therapy available
Supportive Transitional Emancipation Program (STEP-TILP)
Mentoring
Case Management

7. 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 account
Referral process, made by ILS worker, HHSA social worker, county probation officer

8. Transitional Living Programs
Turning Point, YMCA Youth and Family Services
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

9. Transitional Living Programs
Tommie’s Place, YMCA Youth and Family Services
Pregnant or parenting youth, former foster youth included, ages 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

10. Transitional Living Program
Mary’s House, YMCA Youth and Family Services
24 month program serving young women ages who have emancipated from the foster care system
**no pregnant/parenting youth
Semi-supervised living in a 6 bedroom house
Rent is 30% of your income
On-site case management and counseling
Education and employment assistance
Daily independent living skills education
Referral required by social worker or ILS worker

11. Transitional Living Programs
Take Wing, San Diego Youth Services
Youth ages 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

12. Transitional Living Programs
Trolley Trestle, South Bay Community Services
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

13. Transitional Living Programs
Sylvia’s Place
Former foster youth ages 18-24
24 month program
Shared apartment living, furnished
Rent varies among youth
Utilities are youth’s responsibility
Required to either work or attend school
Independent living skills education
Must be referred by social worker or ILS worker

14. Transitional Living Programs
New Directions, Casa de Amparo
Emancipated foster youth ages 18-24
Mission is to equip young people to develop healthy and effective lifestyles and skills
Stable housing, furnishings, and basic necessities
Education, employment, and career guidance
Money management
Independent living skills training
Relationship mediation
Physical and mental health support

15. 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

16. Housing Resources San Diego Housing Commission www.sdhc.net
The 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,
Non-profit that provides small home furnishing for youth’s first apartment, lap-top computers, and emergency financial assistance

17. Housing Resources SDG&E CARE Program
This program offers a 20% discount to income eligible individuals on their gas and electric bills
SBC Universal Lifeline Services
This program provides low income individuals basic home telephone services at half the cost

18. 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!
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!

19. Employment
Practice 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

20. Employment Resources
One Stop Career Center Youth Services-
These centers work with the San Diego Workforce Partnership and provide services to youth ages 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

21. 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.

22. 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:
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

23. 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:
A youth is considered a dependent if they were a “ward/dependent/in foster care” at any time after their 13th birthday.

24. 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.

25. 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
for more information and the paper application form

26. 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.

27. Financing College EOP/EOPS : Extended Opportunity Program Services
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.
EOP/EOPS : Extended Opportunity Program Services
This is available at most community college campuses and universities. They can assist with book vouchers, cash grants, emergency loans, fee waiver, tutoring, etc.

28. Continuing Education Support Services
FACE Your Future San Diego:
Provides free college counseling to current and former foster youth in San Diego
Several workshops on the FAFSA, college applications & SATs
Detailed college planning guide
Continuing Ed. Sat. Oct 23rd at VFC

29. 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 transportation
Ride the route with them!!
gives bus route and trolley info
Public 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

30. Transportation
If your case children plan on getting their license at 18, educate them on the process and what is required
Drivers 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

31. 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 signature
Some branches will give a great tutorial for youth
Checking and savings account requirements:
Social Security Number
Photo ID (CA ID, picture school ID, etc)
Minimum initial deposit

32. 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 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!

33. Financial Resources
For immediate financial assistance, youth can contact the Public Assistance Info Line at or
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 stamps

34. Financial Resources Opportunity Passport
Financial literacy program for current and former foster youth ages 16-26
Participants 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

35. 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 terminated
Each youth should contact Medi-Cal at each time they move
Or they can contact their Medi-Cal worker, if they do not know their worker they can call the ACCESS Line at

36. 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

37. More Local Resources www.fosteringchange.org
Aging Out Guide, updated Feb 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

38. 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,
What You Should Know About Group
Homes
When: Wednesday, Nov. 17th 12:00-1:30pm
Where: HERE! VFC Training Room
RSVP: Angelita Ford