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

In Virginia, if you're 17, 19, or 21 and have been in foster care, you may be asked to take part in a survey that asks about things like school, work, housing, and health. The information collected helps states and programs understand what’s working and what needs to improve.

Your responses are important for understanding the needs and experiences of youth and young adults in foster care. They help Virginia improve decisions about policies that affect young people transitioning into adulthood. You may be asked to participate in the NYTD survey at 17, and then again at 19 and 21. You will receive compensation for your participation based on your age range between $25/$50/$100.

If you have questions, contact your local social services department or VDSS (Virginia Department of Social Services) at (804) 726-7944 or va.ilp@dss.virginia.gov.

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.