A partnership with DCF that helps youth who have "aged-out" of foster care pursue higher education, find employment, develop life skills and establish independence.
Who
Helps youth 18-23 who have "aged out" of foster care transition to adulthood for 12 months. May be extended for up to 18 months total.
How to apply: Connecticut Department of Children & Families referrals only. DCF Waterbury Region contact: 203-207-5100
Services
- Housing stipend paid by DCF
- Free post secondary education/vocational school paid by DCF
- Weekly individual meetings with Case Manager who assists young adult with developing advanced life skills and maintaining independence.
Results
Youth gain:
- Vocation they are passionate about
- College degree
- Stable living arrangements
- Successful transition out of foster family
- Acquisition of independent living life skills as evidenced by improved scores on LIST assessment: Money management, food management, personal appearance and hygiene, home management, housing, transportation, emergency & safety skills, health & wellness, educational planning, job seeking skills, job maintenance skills, knowledge of community resources, interpersonal skills, legal skills, coping skills, anger management, relationships, pregnancy prevention, parenting and childcare, medication management, permanency planning
Participating Youth Survey Data
% rate Career/Job Opportunities "Excellent"
%
% rate Case Manager help develop and implement goals
%
% rate Educational Opportunities "Excellent"
%
Role of Case Managers:
- Help youth stay in college by maintaining a 2.0 GPA, identifying college resources, and adapting to campus life
- Assist youth finding a job and maintaining employment
- Provide assistance in developing monthly budget and monitoring expenditures
- Help improve life skills
- Monitor youth's participation in education/vocation or career development program
- Provide education in the area of heath care and personal health advocacy
- Help locate and secure an apartment as needed
- Identify youth's household furniture needs
- Participate in meetings for each youth regarding referrals, placement and discharge