The web is full of sites with information about foster care; we know it can be a lot to take in and sort through. Our team has found the following websites to be useful resources for additional information and support.
- America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s leading voice for young people. Through partnerships with government, nonprofits, business and communities, America’s Promise works together to ensure that all children have five essential resources: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and support to help others.
- Casey Life Skills provides free and easy to use tools to help young people prepare for adulthood.
- The Child Welfare League of America is the nation’s oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. The Child Welfare League is committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth and their families, and protecting every child from harm.
- Foster Care Transition Toolkit: This toolkit serves to inspire and support youth currently in foster care and young adults who have aged out of care to pursue college and career opportunities. As students prepare to transition to adult life in today’s economy, it’s important to be prepared to independently make decisions, advocate for personal needs, manage financial or health concerns as well as secure housing and transportation. These systems are difficult to navigate alone. Recognizing that these systems may be challenging and that the transition from foster care can be confusing, this toolkit includes tips and resources to help youth and young adults tackle social, emotional, educational, skills and resource barriers.
- Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating back to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.
- Junior Achievement is a movement that seeks to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives.
- Kindering Center is committed to creating and providing superior, individualized, family centered services for children who are disabled, medically fragile, or vulnerable because of abuse or neglect, to develop maximum potential, hope and community understanding.
- National Network for Youth champions the needs of runaway, homeless, and other disconnected youth through advocacy, innovation and services – one community at a time.
- The National Youth Leadership Council increases the capacity of schools and communities to engage young people in learning and service.
- Project Q is the Youth Program of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Project Q provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their straight allies ages 24 and under.
- Strategic Sharing Booklet from Casey.org is a great guide for those involved in foster care. You may have opportunities to share your life story with others in order to educate and influence them. Whether you are a person in or from foster care, a care provider, a professional or interested community member, you’ve lived a story of your own.
- Wisconsin Independent Living: If a child is placed in foster care, independent living services are required once they reach a certain age. All children and youth need to learn basic life skills in order for them to become successful adults.
- Since 1990, YouthBuild USA has guided the development of an expanding national network of more than 225 local Youth Build programs.
- Youth Communication helps teenagers develop their skills in reading, writing, thinking, and reflection, so they can acquire the information they need to make thoughtful choices about their lives.
- The mission of the Youth Volunteer Corps of America is to create and increase volunteer opportunities to enrich America’s youth, address community needs and develop a lifetime commitment to service.
