This document discusses feedback from foster youth on how to better support their transition to independence after aging out of foster care. Youth requested: 1) More opportunities for normalcy and responsibility while in care to prepare them through graduated responsibilities. 2) Individualized transition planning, life skills training, and check-ins after aging out for ongoing support. 3) Connecting with mentors and alumni to learn from their experiences and build support networks to avoid feelings of isolation after care. The document emphasizes the need for a gradual, personalized approach and safety net of support even after making mistakes as young adults learn independence.

2. •Name, county, number of years spent in
foster care, and did you age out?
•What it was like when you “aged out” of
foster care, and how would HB 50 have
helped you?

3. Normalcy:
•More freedom and flexibility
•Less dependency on system
•Growing level of responsibility
•Opportunities to earn privileges
•Give and take situation vs. power struggle

4. Preparation for Adulthood:
• “Please prepare me for my options and help me get
ready”
• “Make sure I have a plan, and know the steps to take”
• Youth and alumni voice on future statewide Independent
Living Curriculum
• Field trips work better than lectures
• Individualized approach
• Don’t want to just delay negative outcomes until age 21

5. What will this look like?
• “How many times am I allowed to mess up before you
give up on me?”
• “Let us make mistakes. This helps us to learn on our
own. We didn’t get that opportunity in foster care.”
• Opportunities to learn from mistakes
• Please spell out our options and responsibilities
• Don’t expect us to know your hidden rules

6. Checkpoints to touch base
• Someone to check in with youth on a regular basis (30,
60, 90 days)
• “ Make sure I know my resources and have a strong
support system”
• “Help me identify people who can help me during this
transition”
• Networking and connections, vs. being on my own
• Near and present support, relevant to the needs at hand

7. Walk me through it
• “Baby steps during the transition”
• “One-on-one support”
• “Meet with me in person”
• Laquita’s program: “Go with the youth to the bank
or hospital – don’t just send them there”

8. Peer Support
• “Get a group of youth together who have the same
goals”
•“Invite older youth to share their lessons learned with
me”
•Network of alumni mentors: “Mentor those who are
coming behind you”
•“Help me learn about relational boundaries, so that I
don’t get taken advantage of by friends or bio family”

9. Why focus groups should
include emancipated youth as
well as youth currently in care.

10. Why youth might want to leave
foster care at age 18, and then
come back again.

11. Why it’s important to effectively
partner with housing experts.

12. Questions and Answers