Credit hours:
2.50

Course Summary

For youth who have been living in foster care, the transition to adulthood presents many new and often daunting experiences. This course provides foster parents with guidance on how to help youth and emerging adults build a foundation for a successful transition to adult life outside of foster care.

In this course, you can expect to learn:

  • Unique challenges youth face when exiting foster care

  • Adolescent development and changes in the brain as related to supporting youth in care

  • Laws and programs to support transition aged youth

  • The critical role of foster parents in transition planning and action

  • Tools to empower foster youth to prepare for the transition to adulthood

Step 1

Read this FosterClub Real Story written by Shawn Denise Semelsberger on aging out of foster care unprepared for the drastic transition. 

Step 2

FosterClub recommends foster youth do 21 things before they transition out of care to make sure they have a successful journey to independence. Read FosterClub's "It's T Time" to become familiar with steps foster youth should take before they leave foster care.

Step 3

Read this FosterClub Real Story written by Ricky Ballesteros, who provides valuable youth perspective about why transition planning is important.

Step 4

Review "Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood: Guidance for Foster Parents" developed by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Step 5

Join the discussion in the comments below to answer the following question:

When do you think a young person should begin their transition plan, and what are some important considerations as a supportive adult in their life?

Step 6

Finished the module? If you are logged in as a subscribed user, take the quiz to earn your Continuing Education Credit hours and certificate!

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Course Discussion

Bridgetp's picture
5 years 3 months ago

Bridgetp said:

at 14
Kathy Burks's picture
5 years 3 months ago

Kathy Burks said:

as soon as they are mature enough.
leahn91's picture
5 years 5 months ago

leahn91 said:

Right away
loopy's picture
5 years 5 months ago

loopy said:

right away
dionne40's picture
5 years 6 months ago

dionne40 said:

It depends on when the on when they enter in Foster Care and where they are mentally. Some may need right away and some may need time.
esabravo's picture
5 years 6 months ago

esabravo said:

I think each transition plan time line would be different for each different child. Some kids coming into care at a high school age should begin learning as many independent living skills as possible. Learning sooner than later for our kids could give them confidence that they can do this! Begin an adult isn't easy but they can do this!
monicatoejam's picture
5 years 7 months ago

monicatoejam said:

I think at a very young age you should begin teaching children about adulthood and then going into more detail as they get older.
trnelson45's picture
5 years 8 months ago

trnelson45 said:

I believe children should begin discussions at age 16. The reason is that this allows the child ample time to learn, ask questions and prepare for the transition. Hopefully, to college, and continue their education. If not, it allows time to plan for financial planning, employment objectives and future living arrangements.
LauraScearce's picture
5 years 6 months ago

LauraScearce replied:

I agree that if the child has not brought up the discussion by the age of 16 it could be introduced to them. That is good reasoning.
nicolescholten's picture
5 years 8 months ago

nicolescholten said:

right away!