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Fostering Futures Local Resources 9-25-10

Voices For Children. Fostering Futures Local Resources 9-25-10. Challenges Emancipating Youth Face: . Housing Employment Education Transportation Finances/Budgeting Health Insurance. Housing. First things first, help your teen develop a housing plan

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Fostering Futures Local Resources 9-25-10

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  1. Voices For Children Fostering FuturesLocal Resources9-25-10

  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 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.

  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 • 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

  9. 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

  10. Transitional Living Program • Mary’s House, YMCA Youth and Family Services • http://www.yfs.ymca.org/residential-services/marys-house-tlp.html • 24 month program serving young women ages 18-24 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 • http://www.sdyouthservices.org/site/PageServer?pagename=takewing • 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

  12. 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

  13. Transitional Living Programs • Sylvia’s Place • http://www.homeaidsd.org/sylvias-place.aspx • 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 • http://www.casadeamparo.org/programs/new-directions.html • 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 • http://sandiego.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

  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, www.jitfosteryouth.org • 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 • 800.411.7343 • SBC Universal Lifeline Services • This program provides low income individuals basic home telephone services at half the cost • 800.310.2355

  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! • 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!

  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- 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

  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: 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

  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 mustbe 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.

  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. • https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/

  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 • www.csac.ca.gov: 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 • 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 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: www.faceyourfuturesandiego.org • 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!! • www.sdcommute.com; 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 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!

  33. 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 stamps • www.sdcounty.ca.gov

  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 858-503-2638

  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 800-541-5555 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 866-262-9881

  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 Aging 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

  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, 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

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