Use the resources in this list to support young people’s transitional needs and help them develop the skills needed for independent living after exiting foster care.

Relays the highs and lows of Josh, a young adult with a passion to help children in foster care. While poised for success as he graduates college, Josh meets challenges later in life after the loss of critical supports. In this video, Josh points to trauma-informed strategies that build youth resilience and help create “reserves” for when crises hit.

Tells the story of Melissa and her two sons, David and Emilio, following their adoption. This set of digital stories underscores the need for connections, educational supports, and post-adoption services.

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Young Adult Formerly in Congregate Care: Treat Me Like a Normal Child.”

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Kinship Adoption: You Get a Call, ‘Do You Want These Kids?’”

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Community-Based Provider: Empowering Caregiver Decision-Making.” 

Facilitates discussion about the normalcy issues raised in the Young Adult Formerly in Foster Care: This Is My Family, This Is Where I Call Home video, which is part of the Center for States’ Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions product.

Hear about the challenges and experiences of an adoptive family and how they created belonging, healthy development, and normal experiences.

Watch this video to learn more about state experiences communicating with partners about prevention. 

Watch this video to learn more about how states are engaging people with lived experience in prevention planning. 

Watch this video to learn more about state experiences building capacity for prevention.

Watch this video to learn more about how states are selecting and implementing prevention programs.

Watch this video to learn more about how a vision for prevention influences the development of a prevention plan.

Watch this video to learn more about prevention planning advice and lessons learned from state child welfare leaders.

Read this resource to learn about direct financial assistance and emergency financial assistance available to young people.