Posted on: Sunday, February 19, 2006

by Advertiser Staff
Are you a foster youth preparing to age out of foster care? Use this checklist to make sure you have what you need for a successful transition into independence:
· Important documents. You should have your original birth certificate, original social security card, state ID card, copies of your medical records and immunizations, and a letter from your social worker verifying that you have been in foster care (to apply for certain college scholarships).
· Independent living necessities and skills. The state Department of Human Services’ Independent Living Program offers skills and knowledge in topics including life skills, health, parenting, personal finance, housing and employment; makes connections with resources for employment, housing and education; finds transitional living arrangements; offers limited housing/rental support; and more.
To participate, call one of the following Independent Living Program providers: Hale Kipa, 589-1829, ext. 202 (O’ahu); Salvation Army Family Intervention Services, (808) 935-4411 (Big Island); Maui Youth and Family Services, (808) 579-8414 (Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i); and Child and Family Service, (808) 245-5914 (Kaua’i).
· Money for college. Youth who leave foster care because they have reached age 18 and completed high school may be eligible to receive a higher education board allowance to attend college or a vocational/trade school. Contact your social worker or an Independent Living Program worker for more information.
· Medical coverage. The state Department of Human Services makes sure foster youth have medical coverage, but this ends when the youth leaves foster care. After foster care, you must apply and qualify for your own medical coverage. Continued coverage is important because it helps you get medical services — from a doctor or dentist — when you need them, not when you can afford them.
After leaving foster care, your name, address, telephone number and employment information is given to MedQuest (so make sure your social worker has the right information). Then MedQuest sends an application for medical coverage. You’ll have to complete and return the forms to MedQuest, otherwise, medical coverage will end. Contact your social worker or an Independent Living Program worker for more information.
· Transition plan. Schedule a meeting with EPIC E Makua Ana Youth Circle, an organization that celebrates your emancipation and brings together supporters and service providers who can help you develop a plan for your future.
In addition to facilitating the transitional planning process, the organization serves as a resource of information on things like scholarships, housing programs, and employment and educational services. Contact EPIC E Makua Ana Youth Circle at 748-7055.
· Support network. Be sure to stay connected with those positive and caring adults in your life.
· Additional resources:
Hawaii Foster Parent Association, an organization that educates, supports and nurtures foster and adoptive parents, and empowers them to provide quality care to foster children statewide through advocacy, information services, workshops, training sessions and more. 263-0920.
Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition, a youth-lead organization that helps current and former youth in the foster care system by advising and advocating for opportunities that will allow them to enjoy a productive present and successful future. Services include presentations, resource materials, trainings, activities and more. 255-8365.
— Sources: Lee Dean, assistant program administrator with the state Department of Human Services, and Randy Shiraishi, program manager at EPIC E Makua Ana Youth Circle Program
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Free workshops for foster youth preparing to transition out of foster care into adulthood:
· Better Start III, focuses on college choices and housing issues, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 11, Kapi’olani Community College; for high school juniors and seniors in foster care. To register, call the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition at 255-8365.
· Independent Living Conference, teaches independent living skills to transitioning foster youth, March 24-26, Volcano National Park at Kilauea Military Camp; for high school juniors and seniors in foster care; sponsored by the Independent Living Program of the state Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare Services Branch. Register by March 1 by calling the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition at 255-8365.
· For more information on upcoming workshops, call the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition at 255-8365.
— Source: Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition
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Free Independent Living Training workshops for foster parents of youth ages 12-21:
Get information on how to teach foster youth independent living skills to prepare for adulthood. Sessions in Waipahu are 9-10:30 a.m. Saturdays at 94-216 Farrington Highway, Suite 206 (the building with the green roof behind Daiei); sessions in Kane’ohe are 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 45-939 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 205 (the medical building next to Ben Parker Elementary School). To register, call Jennifer Heimberger, community specialist with Hale Kipa Independent Living Programs, at 589-1829, ext. 205.
· “Introduction to Independent Living and a Guide to Community Involvement,” Feb. 28 in Kane’ohe, March 4 in Waipahu
· “How to Teach Life Skills: Finding Teaching Moments in Your Daily Routine,” March 7 in Kane’ohe, March 18 in Waipahu
· “Connecting With Youth to Assess Needed Skills — Helping Youth Discover Their Talents,” March 14 in Kane’ohe, March 25 in Waipahu
· “Review Adolescent Development and a Guide to Help Teens Make Healthy Decisions,” March 21 in Kane’ohe, April 1 in Waipahu
· “Preparing Foster Youth for the Work Force and Helping Them Manage Their Income,” March 28 in Kane’ohe, April 8 in Waipahu
· “Living Arrangements: Housing Options After Foster Care,” April 4 in Kane’ohe, April 15 in Waipahu
— Source: Hale Kipa Independent Living Programs
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The original source article can be found: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Feb/19/il/FP602190301.html