Aging Out
What You Can Do
Youths
Employers & Educators
Resources
Communities

INTRO
Discussion Guide
Taking Action

Engaging Members of the Community

1. Public opinion shows that a majority of Americans would be willing to volunteer their time to help youth in their communities who are transitioning out of foster care. These are good kids, but they need the community’s help to ensure that they become independent, healthy, and successful adults.

2. Here are some specific things that you can do to create opportunities for youth leaving foster care:

  • Become a mentor: One of the best ways for youth leaving foster care to succeed is to have a caring adult they can count on for help and advice. There are numerous organizations in your community that can help you learn more. A great place to get started is www.mentoring.org.

  • Open doors to education: Helping youth get access to job training and post-secondary education greatly increases their chances for success. Providing assistance with locating training programs, financial assistance paperwork like the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and tutoring are all great ways to get involved. Access the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

  • Introduce them to the world of work: Offering opportunities for job shadowing, apprenticeships, and internships are a great way to prepare youth in foster care for the working world.

  • Learn about the youth leaving foster care in your community: Help yourself and others know more about how many youth are transitioning, what their specific challenges are, and what resources are available to meet those needs.
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    FOSTER CARE RESOURCES

    AGING OUT on PBS.org

  • Read foster care stories and watch video clips from the film

  • Learn more about the film, filmmakers and funders

  • Explore extensive print and online foster care information for youth and communities

  • Order the film

  • Download a viewer's guide or brief (PDF)

    • JIM CASEY YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES INITIATIVE

  • What you can do to help youth transitioning from care

  • Links to foster care and youth development organizations
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