I'm 17-18 years old

Education

Youth shall obtain the necessary student service-learning hours to graduate.
Youth shall have a concrete plan for postsecondary education, employment and/or training.
All youth shall complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), unless otherwise noted.
Transition plans for youth shall include specific educational goals and financial assistance plans.
Youth shall understand how to utilize the Maryland Tuition Waiver and/or ETV.
Youth shall be enrolled in college, or if not interested in college, youth shall take advantage of vocation programs that allow certifications to be earned.
Graduating disabled youth shall understand their service needs and shall receive information on how to access Disability Support Services.
Youth shall register to vote and shall understand the voting process.

Employment

Youth shall have an opportunity to participate in an internship, externship or volunteer opportunity relevant to a career field of his/her choice.
Youth shall understand the opportunities that shall allow him/her to increase employment skills. • Youth shall be assisted in developing a resume.
Youth shall have had at least two summer jobs by age 18.
Youth shall be engaged in planning for employment that shall increase his/her earnings and marketable potential.
Youth with special needs shall be educated about the employment transition services and resources available. Youth shall receive assistance in enrolling in any desired occupational skills training.

Health/Mental Health

Youth shall understand the importance of following through with medical care and appointments.
Youth shall be able to ask the doctor questions and obtain information needed to understand his/her health and any existing medical conditions.
Youth shall understand the importance of medical insurance and take advantage of obtaining the services needed with their medical insurance.
Youth shall be able to identify and utilize community resources.
Youth shall understand his/her rights.
Disabled youth shall be referred to other programs/services for additional assistance prior to exiting care.
Youth shall be provided with information that shall assist him/her in understanding the importance of designating a health care agent and information on how to exercise the option to execute a health care agent appointment that designates another individual to make health care treatment decisions if the youth becomes incapacitated.

Housing

Youth shall be able to identify possible housing options, if needed, including prospective roommates, subsidized housing.
Youth shall have a “safety plan” if current housing fails and assistance with re-engaging with family.
Youth shall understand housing history.
Youth shall be able to understand tenant rights and tenant- landlord relationships.
Youth shall understand the importance of safety and being selective in who is allowed to enter his/her personal space.
Youth shall possess the life skills needed to maintain an apartment and make some independent decisions.

Financial Literacy/Resources

Youth shall have basic knowledge of entitlement programs, qualifications and how to apply/receive assistance with application for SSI (Social Security Insurance), MA (Medical Assistance), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance), WIC (Women, Infants and Children), etc.
Youth shall obtain a free credit report.
Youth shall understand how to avoid identity theft or correct it.
Youth shall understand the benefits of remaining in care until age 21. He/she shall understand the policy, eligibility requirements, and supportive services of After Care Services that he/she can receive if leaving care prior to age 21.
Youth shall obtain his/her original birth certificate and social security card.

Family & Friends Support