Embedded Files
Community & Connection
Community & Connection
A vibrant network for professionals with a lived foster care experience. For folks who are currently students in college or who have graduated from college and have experience with foster care. Setting up a free membership allows you to access an online community plus work opportunities, events, workshops, webinars, and local meetups.
Website: https://www.alturaco.org/
Community, resource, and event opportunities specifically for people who identify as foster care alumni in Massachusetts. Mass NFCA hosts periodic events and foster care alumni can become members to connect with others in their area and get connected to volunteer opportunities.
Website: http://www.massnfca.org/
Sibling Connections currently offers programs for reuniting siblings who have been separated by their placement in foster care in Massachusetts. Programs include a week-long overnight summer camp, monthly Sunday gatherings throughout the year, weekend retreats, and a peer leadership training program for campers who are aging out of foster care. Anyone can make a referral but DCF contact information must be provided.
Website: https://www.siblingconnections.org/
Funds
Funds
DCF offers several funding opportunities to youth in foster care. To get more information, we suggest you speak to your DCF worker (if applicable) and/or your SLM program manager. SLM would be happy to support you in connecting with this opportunity.
Programs include:
Life Skills Support Program: provides funds for youth ages 14- 22 in placement to support positive youth development, such as bus passes, SAT fees, athletic uniforms, sports fees, senior class expenses, etc.
Discharge Support Program: provides financial and outreach support to youth discharging from DCF placement at or after age 18, including funding toward first and last month's rent, security deposit, initial utilities charges, as well as support with budgeting, home management, and employment.
Website: https://www.mass.gov/guides/adolescent-support-programs-0
An innovative wish-granting platform for young people who've been impacted by foster care and out of home care. Mentees can apply for wishes under $500 and for big wishes under $5000. Wishes are related to items that young people may need or could support your independence such as a laptop for school, furniture or appliances for your apartment, gift cards to support purchasing items for school/home/travel, etc. Applications must be submitted through a youth serving organization so please reach out to your SLM Program Coordinator if you'd like to apply!
Website: https://www.onesimplewish.org/
Rise Above funds individual activities wishes for children in foster care through an online application process. All children who are in the physical care and custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), are eligible. Examples of what Rise Above funds include: musical instrument rental/purchase, sports equipment and league fees, class trips, post-secondary education, and apartment set-ups.
Website: https://weriseabove.org/funding
Email: info@weriseabove.org
Phone: (855) 246-8850
News & Publications
News & Publications
The Imprint is a daily news publication dedicated to rigorous, in-depth journalism focused on families and the systems that impact their lives. Founded in 2013, The Imprint's work focuses on the nation’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems, as well as housing, economic, mental health and educational issues faced by vulnerable children and families.
The Imprint is a daily news publication dedicated to rigorous, in-depth journalism focused on families and the systems that impact their lives. Founded in 2013, The Imprint's work focuses on the nation’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems, as well as housing, economic, mental health and educational issues faced by vulnerable children and families.
The go-to source of foster care news and information for anyone involved in any way with the foster care industry.
Website: https://www.fosterfocusmag.com/
FMC uses the power of media and journalism to lead the conversation about children, youth and families in America.
FMC uses the power of media and journalism to lead the conversation about children, youth and families in America.
Transitioning out of Foster Care
Transitioning out of Foster Care
Did you know that important documents like birth certificates, immunization records, photo IDs, etc. could impact where you can live, your ability to fly on a plane, or obtain employment? This resource is designed to help you identify which documents you need and how to access them.
Article: Click Here
FosterClub's Transition Toolkit was designed just for this transitioning journey. It is a youth-involved, comprehensive way to develop a transition plan for foster youth aging out of care. FosterClub's Transition Toolkit includes planning worksheets, record keeping, detailed maps, and resources. Download the Toolkit from Foster Club's website or get a free PDF of it here.
Website: https://store.fosterclub.com/transition-toolkit-download/
Transitioning out of foster care can be a scary journey if you are not prepared. FosterClub recommends these 21 things every foster youth should do before they exit out of care in order to be prepared and have a successful transition to independence.
Article: Click Here
Know Before You Go educates and supports young adults transitioning from foster care to independence. The mission of Know Before You Go is to empower youth to become their own advocates, armed with the knowledge and information they need to succeed in work, school and life. Some of the resources on this page are California-specific, but many apply to foster youth nationwide.
Website: https://knowb4ugo.org/
Collected resources that are written for youth who are aging out of out-of-home care, providing practical information on topics that may be important as they transition to adulthood.
Website: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/resources/
This compilation of suggestions about finances, health care, employment, and relationships from foster youth transitioning to adulthood is aimed at equipping other youth leaving foster care with the necessary tools to become independent and successful adults.
Guide: Click Here
Advocacy and Policy
Advocacy and Policy
Resources, opportunities to engage in advocacy, and current issues impacting child welfare.
Website: http://www.childrensleague.org/advocacy
Elevating the voices of current and former foster youth in conversations related to national child welfare policy and systems change. Through continued dialogue with policymakers and federal officials, young people are engaged as the experts on the lived experience and unique needs of those who youth who experience foster care.
Website: https://www.fosterclub.com/public-policy-legislation
Think of Us operates as a Research and Development Lab for child welfare, transforming the system so that people with Lived Experience are at the center of designing, imagining, and building. Founded by former foster youth Sixto Cancel, Think of Us strategically engages projects across tech, participatory research, and state and federal partnerships, driving system-wide solutions that bridge the gap between policy, practice, and people.
Website: https://www.thinkof-us.org/
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