Chafee Program Transition Plan

(For teens and young adults ages 14 and older)

The federal John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood provides states with funding and laws to support youth in foster care as they approach adulthood. In order to meet the individual needs of each youth, local departments of social services are required to help the youth create a transition plan. This is a written document that includes an overview of skills, knowledge, resources and competencies necessary for adult living. When developed, the plan will specify in writing the goals you set, what you will do to achieve the goals, and the services, activities and supports that will be provided to help you transition to adulthood.

In order to create a plan that best meets your needs, you will first complete a life skills assessment to help you identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. Your foster care worker should then arrange a meeting with your team to help you create your plan. Your team should consist important people in your life who care about your success (i.e. your foster care worker; current/former caregiver(s); parent(s); sibling(s); CASA volunteer; service providers; teacher; coach; religious/community leader; friend; significant other; etc.) Together, you and your team will discuss what areas you would like to work on and set personal goals. You will also determine what services and supports you will need in order to be successful and who on your team will provide those to you. Once it is complete, you and your team will all sign your plan as a commitment to helping you reach your goals. You should review your transition plan and the services and supports you are receiving with your foster care worker on a regular basis. You should meet with your team any time your plan needs to be updated (at least once a year).

To learn more, click here to access Project Life's Youth Guide, which contains the following information and resources:

• Age Timeline - Learn more about steps you can take by age to help plan and prepare for the future
• Initial Independent Living (IL) Assessment - A tool to help you identify your strengths and needs to prepare for transitioning into adulthood
• Strategies to help you achieve the goals you set
• Benefits for which you may be eligible