A MessageaboutYourIndependentLivingTransition Plan

Thisisyourplan.Whendeveloped,thePlanwillspecify inwritingthegoalsyouset,whatyouwilldotoachievethegoals,andtheindependentlivingservices,activities,andsupportsthatwillbeprovidedtohelpyoutransition to adulthood.

ThefirstPlanisdevelopedwhenyouturnage14(orwithin30daysofyourenteringfostercareifyouentercareafteryouturn14).Youwillupdatetheplanatleastannuallyforaslongasyouareinfostercareorcontinuetoreceiveindependentliving(IL)services.TransitionPlansarerequiredtobebasedonaformalILneedsassessmentthatyouwillcompleteinthemonthbeforeyoudevelopyourPlan.Theassessmentisnotatest–thereisno“grade”andyoucannot“fail.”It isatool that gives youinformationfordevelopingyourplan;ithelpsyouidentifyyourstrengthsandtheareasforfurtherdevelopment.

ILTransitionPlansarealsorequiredtobeyouth-drivenandtobedevelopedthroughateamprocess.IfyouhaveanIndividualEducationProgram(IEP)atschool,yourILtransitionplanmustbecoordinatedwithyourIEP.

Youth-drivenmeansthatyou haveacentralrole inallservice planninganddecisionmaking.

Teamprocessmeansthatothersignificantindividualsaresupposedtoworkasateamtohelpprepareyoufor adulthood.Youidentifywhoyouwant to beinvolvedandyour teammayinclude:

  • Familymembers
  • Yourcurrentcaretakersor fosterparents
  • Peoplewho previouslycaredforyou
  • A teacher,counselor,and/or coach
  • A friend,neighbor,mentor,and/orminister

Otherswhomaybe involvedwithyourILAssessmentandPlanare:

  • A service workerwhocoordinate or specialize in independentlivingservices
  • AProjectLIFE consultantwhoworksexclusivelywitholderyouth in foster care

YourPlan is completedincollaborationwithyour serviceworker andmembers ofyourteam. Yourservice worker willhelpyou:

  • Understandyourresponsibilityfor developingandachievinga plan.
  • Developyour personalgoals.
  • Identify yourstrengths,interests,andneeds.
  • Usethesegoals,strengths,andinterests todesignservices, use networks,andaccessservicesandresources tomeetyour needs.

Tolearnmore,seeGuideforOlderYouthInandAgingOutofFosterCareinVirginia(availableonlineat informationon:

  • Thetimeline ofopportunitiesyou have forplanninganddecisionmaking
  • What theILNeedsAssessmentcantellyouandhow to use whatyoulearn
  • Examples ofgoalsandactivitiesthatyoumightincludeinyour Plan
  • Resourcesandstrategies to helpyouachievethegoalsyouset
  • Benefitsforwhichyoumaybe eligible

IndependentLivingTransition Plan

YOUTH INFORMATION
Name: / Oasis Client ID:
Address:
DateofBirth:(MM/DD/YYYY)
Current Age:141516*17*
Current Grade/Classification:below 8th8th9th10th11th12thCollege
Other:
CURRENTEDUCATIONALGOAL
EducationalDevelopmentcertificate(GED) / High School ModifiedDiploma / High SchoolDiploma / High SchoolAdvancedDiploma
VocationalCertificate / Associate’s Degree / Bachelor’sDegree / Other:
CURRENTLDSSWORKER’SCONTACTINFORMATION
Name: / Phone#:
E-mail Address:
INDEPENDENTLIVING(IL)NEEDSASSESSMENT
NameofILNeedsAssessmentCompleted: / DateCompleted:
NameofOtherAssessment(s)Completed(usedtohelpcompletetransition plan) / DateCompleted:
Note:ThemostrecentIndependentLiving(IL)needsassessmentmusthavebeencompletedwithinthelast30dayspriortocompletingthisform. Use the ILassessmentasareferencewhencompletingthisdocument.
TIMEFRAMEOFTHISTRANSITIONPLAN
From(MM/DD/YYYY): / To(MM/DD/YYYY):

Directions:Pleaseread thefollowinginformationonyourrightsandresponsibilities.Ifyoudonotunderstand,itisyourserviceworker’sresponsibilitytoexplainanythingthatisnotcleartoyou.Whenyouaresureyouunderstandeachstatement,placeacheckmarkbesideeachstatement.Attheend,youwillbeaskedtosigntheform.Yoursignaturemeansyouhavereviewedandunderstandyourrightsandresponsibilities.

Safety-Asayoungpersoninfostercare;youhavetherighttobeinasafehomethatisfreeofviolence,abuse,neglectandmistreatment (exploitation).

Education–Youhavetherighttogotoschoolandgetaneducationthatfitsyourageandanyspecial needsyoumayhave. Youalsohavetherighttostayinthesameschoolyouwereenrolledinbefore comingintofostercareifpossible.

Health–Youhavetherighttoberegularlytakentodoctorsanddentists,includingeyedoctors,formedical evaluation,medicalcare,and/ortreatmentasneeded

Appeal–Youhavearighttoappealthesuspension,reduction,termination,delayordenialofservicesinyour transitionallivingplanfor independentlivingservices.

CourtParticipation–Youhavearighttoattendcourthearingsinvolvingyourcare,beconsultedinthedevelopmentofandanyrevisionstoyourcaseandpermanencyplan. Youalsohavetherighttotellthe judgewhatishappeningtoyouandwhatyouwantregardingyourplanforpermanency. Youcanchooseup totwoindividualsforyourcase andpermanencyplanningteam (subject toagencydisapprovalifnot in the best interestoftheyouth).

SiblingVisitation–Youhave arightto haveregularcontactandvisitationwithyoursiblingsifyouareseparated.

Yourfostercareplanshall takeintoaccountyourwishes.The communicationmayincludebutarenotlimited toface-to-facevisits,telephone calls,emails,andvideoconferencing.

CreditReports – Beginningatage 14until age17,youshallbe entitledtoanannualcredit reportfreeof charge.Ifthere are anyinaccuracies,the agencywill help toresolve them.

Yoursignature meansyou havereviewedandunderstandyour rightsandresponsibilities.

Youth’sSignature: / Date:
Social Worker’sName:
Social Worker’sSignature: / Date:
Other(PleasePrintName):
Relationshipto Youth:
Signatureof Other: / Date:
Other(PleasePrintName):
Relationshipto Youth:
Signatureof Other: / Date:

TipsforCompletingYourILTransitionPlan

Step 1. ThinkaboutPreparingfor Adulthood

TheILTransitionPlanisintendedtohelpyouprepareforadulthood.ThePositiveOutcomeslistedinthetablebelowreflect importantareas oflifeyouwillwant tomakesure youprepare for asyouapproachadulthood.

POSITIVEOUTCOMESINEARLYADULTHOOD
Iwillbesupportingmyselffinancially / Iwillbepursuingandachievingmyeducationgoals
Iwillhavepositiveconnectionstofamilyandothertrustedadults / Iwillhaveastableplacetoliveandavoidhomelessness
Iwillbeknowhowtomaintainmyhealthandsafetyandavoidunplannedpregnancy / Iwillhavehealthinsurance/accesstomedicalanddentalhealthservices

Step 2. ReviewResults of YourILNeedsAssessmentandFocus onYourPriorities

The ILNeedsAssessmentyourecentlycompletedwillhelpyouidentifyyourstrengthsandneedsin eachof eightLife Skillsareaslistedinthe tablebelow.

LIFESKILLSAREASFROMYOURILNEEDSASSESSMENT
AREASOFLIFE / WHATISINVOLVED
DailyLiving / Mealplanningandpreparation,cleaningandfoodstorage,home maintenanceandcomputerandinternetbasics.
SelfCare / Healthyphysicalandemotionaldevelopmentsuchaspersonalhygiene,takingcareofone’shealthandpregnancyprevention.
RelationshipsandCommunication / Developingandsustaininghealthyrelationships,culturalcompetencyandpermanentconnectionswithcaringadults.
WorkandStudy / Basicsofemployment,legalissues,studyskillsandtimemanagement.
HousingandMoneyManagement / Bankingandcredit,findingandkeepingaffordablehousing,budgetingandlivingwithinone’smeans.
CareerandEducationPlanning / Planningforcareerandpostsecondaryeducationpertinenttoolderyouth.
LookingForward / Yourlevelofconfidenceandinternalfeelingsthatareimportanttoyoursuccess.
Permanency / Establishingfamilyconnectionsandplacementoptionstoprovidealifetimeofcommitment;foryoungadults,itmeansconnectiontotrustedadults.

ReviewresultsfromyourILNeedsAssessmentwithyourworker,identifyingyourstrengths(whatyouhavealreadyachieved)andareasforgrowth (where thereismoretoachieve).

YourILTransitionPlandoesnothavetoaddressalleightareasoflifeskills.YouwillwanttofocusyourPlanontheareasofgreatestneedandimportanceforyouatthispointintime.Afteryouachieveyourinitialgoals,youcan move on to others.

YouandyourserviceworkerwillreviewyourprogressinachievingthegoalsonaregularbasisandyourILAssessmentandPlanwillbeofficiallyupdatedevery12monthsforaslongasyoucontinuetoreceiveILservices.

Step 3.IdentifyServices ThatCanHelpYouAchieveYourGoals

Showninthetablebelowareexamplesofthetypesofservicesthatcanhelpyouachieveyourgoals.Notallservicesandsupportsthatmightbeavailabletoyouarelisted.Talkwithyourserviceworkeraboutthetypesofservicesyouneedandhowyoucanaccessthem.Someservicesareavailablefromresourcesinyourcommunity;otherbenefits are availabledirectlythroughyour custodial agency.

EXAMPLESOFSERVICESTOHELPYOUREACHYOURGOALS
Academicsupport–servicestohelpyoucompletehighschooloraGED,includingacademicpreparation,tutoring,studyskillstraining,andhelpinaccessingeducationalresourcesoverandabovegeneralattendanceinhighschool.
Careerpreparation–vocationalandcareerexploration,assessment,andplanning;helpinmatchinginterests/abilitieswithvocationalgoals;traininginavocationortrade;participationinanapprenticeshiporinternship.
Workreadiness/employment-traininginthebasicsofemployment,relatedlegalissues,andjobreadiness;assistancewithjobsearchandplacementandjobcoaching;assistanceinsecuringworkpermits.
Counseling–assistanceinresolvingproblemsthatmaybebarrierstoyoursuccess.
Budgetandfinancialmanagement–assistanceandtrainingonbudgeting,moneymanagement,establishingcredit,filingtaxes.
Homemanagementinstruction–assistanceinlearningfoodpreparation,housekeeping,shoppingandmealplanning,andbasicsofbasichomemaintenanceandrepair.
Healthandriskprevention–assistanceandtraininginstayinghealthyphysicallyandemotionallyincludingpregnancypreventionandstrategiesforpersonalsafety.
Housing–assistanceandtraininginfindingandkeepingaffordablehousingandunderstandingcostsassociatedwithestablishinganindependentlivingarrangement.
Youthleadershipdevelopment–Assistanceandtrainingindevelopingyourleadershipqualitiesandlearningeffectivestrategiesinadvocatingforyourself.
Mentoring–aone-on-onerelationshipwithaselectedtrustedadultwhocanprovidelonger-termsupportandguidance.
Post-highschooleducationsupport–servicestohelpyouenterorcompleteadditionaleducationafterhighschoolincludingSATpreparation,informationaboutfinancialaidandscholarships,helpincompletingapplications,andtutoringwhileincollege.
Post-highschooleducationfinancialassistance–uponhighschoolgraduationorGEDcompletion,youmaybeeligibleforaTuitionGrantProgram,EducationandTrainingVouchers,orotherneeds-basedassistance.
Permanency–Assistanceinestablishingfamilyconnectionsandpermanentconnectionstoothertrustedadults.
Otherassistance–undercertainconditions,asupervisedindependentlivingarrangementorroomandboardfinancialassistancemaybeappropriate.Theseoptionscanbediscussedwithyourworker.

AFinal Tip:UnderstandingGoals,Activities,and Measures

ForyourILTransitionPlan,youwillbewritingdowngoals,activitiesandmeasures.

  • Goals are whatyouwant toachieveovera longerperiod of time.
  • Activitiesare the shorter-termsteps youwilltake toreachyourgoal.
  • Measures arehowyouwillknowwhenyouachieveyour goal.

Hereare some examples of goals,relatedactivities,andmeasures.Thesearejust examples intendedtogive you abetteridea abouthowgoals,activitiesand measuresarerelated.Remember,yourplanshouldreflectyourgoals!

Goals / Activities / Measures
Iwanttograduatefromhighschool. /
  • Iwillattendschoolregularlyandcompleteassignmentsinallmyclasses.
  • Withhelpfrommyguidancecounselor,Iwilldevelopawrittenplanforcompletionofallgraduationrequirements.
  • Iwillfollowmywrittenplanforcompletingrequirementsforgraduation.
/
  • Iwillgraduatefromhighschool.

I wanttogetexperienceinworkingforpayorvolunteeringwhileIaminhighschool. /
  • Iwillparticipateintrainingthatteachesmehowtosearchforajob,completeanemploymentapplicationandinterviewforajob.
  • Iwilldevelopanunderstandingaboutwages,deductions,benefits,andtaxesbyparticipatingintrainingoffered.
  • Withassistancefrommyfosterparent,IwillexplorevolunteeropportunitiesinmycommunityandidentifythoseIammostinterestedin.
/
  • Iwillbesuccessfullyholdingapart-timejob,paidorvolunteer.

IwanttoknowhowtomanagemymoneybeforeIleavefostercare. /
  • Iwillparticipateinmoneymanagement trainingofferedthrough myschoolandotherresources.
  • Withassistancefrommyfosterparents,I willcompletetheonline CaseyFosterYouthMoneyGuide,IKnowWhereI’mGoing(ButWillMyCashKeepUp?),PartsOneandTwo.
  • Iwilldevelopawrittenplan,showingincome,expenses, andprimarystrategiesforlivingwithinmymeansinthefirstyearafterleavingfostercare.
/
  • Iwillhavearealisticplanforlivingwithin mymeansintheyearafterIleavefostercare.

Daily Living:
(includesmeal planningandpreparation,cleaningandfoodstorage,homemaintenance andcomputer andinternetbasics)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
SelfCare:
(includeshealthyphysicalandemotional development suchaspersonal hygiene,takingcare of one’shealthandpregnancyprevention)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Relationshipsand Communication
(includesdevelopingandsustaininghealthyrelationships,culturalcompetencyandpermanentconnectionswithcaringadults)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance.
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Work and Study
(includesbasicsof employment,legalissues,studyskillsandtime management)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
HousingandMoneyManagement
(includesbankingandcredit,findingandkeepingaffordable housing,budgetingandlivingwithinone’smeans)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Career and Education Planning
(includesplanningforcareerandpostsecondaryeducationpertinent toolderyouth)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Looking Forward
(includesyouth’slevelof confidence andinternalfeelings importanttotheirsuccess)
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Permanency
Permanencyinvolvesestablishingfamilyconnections andplacement options toprovidea lifetime ofcommitment;foryoungadults,itmeansconnectiontotrustedadults.
Youth’sStrengths:
AreasforGrowth:
Goal / Activity / ResponsibleParties / DatesforCompletingPlannedGoal/Activity / ProgressDate
Goal#1:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#2:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
Goal#3:
Measure: / Metactivity/goalDate
SatisfactoryProgress
Needsmoretime/assistance
Activity/goalneedschanging
MYCURRENTPERMANENT CONNECTIONS
NAME / ADDRESS / TELEPHONE# / RELATION-SHIPTOME / NATURE OFSUPPORTPLEDGEDTOME

Signingthisdocumentmeansthat we allagree with thisplan andthatwe will allwork tocompletethe stepsnecessarytohelp reachhis orhergoals.

Youth’ssignatureDate

Caregiver’ssignatureDate

ServiceWorker’ssignatureDate

Other–PrintNameRelationshiptoyouth

SignatureDate

Other–PrintNameRelationshiptoyouth

SignatureDate

FinalStep: Youthisgivenacopy.Allpartieswho signedabovearegiven acopy.Theoriginal plan iskeptin theyouth’scase record.

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