Most young people know that it’s important to have a plan before leaving foster care. But each year, FosterClub hears from youth who have left foster care and lost out BIG... and regret that they didn’t have the information they needed to make an informed decision. Don’t let it happen to you. At the very least, make sure you’ve checked into these four items and know what you’re getting into to by getting out of foster care...

1. Find out if you’ll lose benefits — including money to help you succeed — if you leave foster care before turning 18, fail to complete applications.

2. Check if you can come back to foster care if you want or need help. Ask your caseworker or judge.

3. Have at least one “go-to” person. It should be someone that is willing to mentor you through tough situations and will provide you with a way to contact them 24/7 in case of an emergency.

4. Check FosterClub’s 21 THINGS checklist — things you should have before you leave foster care (at the very least, you’ll know what your missing!). But if you are REALLY serious about making a successful transition to adulthood, you’ll need a complete transition plan to prepare you for the journey... the FosterClub Transition Toolkit can help you map a plan for your future.