Connections

Research shows that social connections (people and institutions) help teens and young adults increase their knowledge, develop their skills, have a sense of belonging and find meaning in their lives (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2013). Making meaningful connections and developing positive relationships with others helps to support your growth and development as well as transition into adulthood.

There are many opportunities to stay involved, connect with others, and use your voice to make improvements within the foster care system.

Stay Involved! Stay Connected!

National Youth in Transition Database Survey

Teens and young adults across the nation have the power to change the future of foster care, and you could help here in Virginia. The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) is a federally mandated program that examines outcomes for teens and young adults in foster care. To meet NYTD's requirement to collect this outcome data, Virginia child welfare agencies survey groups of youth currently or formerly in foster care at age 17, and again at ages 19 and 21.

Your participation in this survey is essential to understanding the experiences, needs and recommendations of Virginia's teens and young adults in foster care. Your responses help Virginia to make more informed decisions about policies and practices that directly impact those transitioning into adulthood.

We are currently surveying youth turning 21 from October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. If you have questions contact your local department of social services or VDSS at (804) 726-7944 or va.ilp@dss.virginia.gov to learn more about participation.

Virginia Resources

Project LIFE

• Project LIFE (Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment) helps teens and young adults in Virginia succeed when they age out of foster care by helping them directly and supporting the professionals who work with them. Project LIFE's services help teens and young adults currently or formerly in foster care avoid homelessness and achieve greatness.

So You're 18

• So You're 18 is intended to be an initial resource of information regarding basic law-related references and a summary of the various legal issues a young adult may encounter. The Virginia State Bar and the Conference of Local and Specialty Bar Associations created this resource to help young adults currently or formerly in foster care understand their rights and obligations as an adult and avoid some of the pitfalls facing young adults while taking on legal responsibilities.

National Resources

Foster Club

• The national network for youth in foster care designed to support teens and young adults in and from foster care become connected, educated, inspired and represented to realize their personal potential.