Adolescent Program

For youth in out-of-home placement, the Adult Living Preparation Process is in place to help them plan for their futures and prepare for a successful transition to adulthood. The process starts at age 14 for youth in DCYF placement due to abuse and neglect and begins at age 16 for youth placed through DJJS for (CHINS) or delinquency. Teens are encouraged to actively engage in the Adult Living Preparation Process. Each teen receives information about community resources, transitional and adult issues. In addition, a youth participates in several assessments (including a career assessment) and helps with the development of an Adult Living Plan and Aftercare Plan to support living as an adult after exit from state care. Each assessment and plan is updated regularly to monitor progress and ensure a teen's adult preparation needs are met.

Adult Living Preparation Plans and associated support services address such issues as permanent connections, education, job training and employment, housing and transportation, money management, health and safety needs, and behavioral and social skills including learning about community resources. A variety of skills training, resources and opportunities are available to youth participating in the Adult Living Process.

Training

• NH Trails (NH Teen Responsibility and Independent Living Skills): A curriculum designed for foster and residential providers to teach youth in their care adult living skills in the areas of Personal and Social Growth, Education and Career Development, and Daily Living Skills.
• Skills Training: Experiential education and practice of adult living skills is provided at a teen's placement.

Education

• Higher Education: DCYF is in partnership with the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation to conduct a series of workshops for foster care youth with college aspirations. Youth and their caregivers are connected to a NHHEAF college counselor who will guide them through the college application, admissions and financial aid process.
• Specific college information for youth in care including Federal Application for Student Assistance (FAFSA) tips, scholarship and resource information.
• Words of current youth in care preparing to transition to college and former youth in care who are in college.
• Education and Training Vouchers (ETV): Education and Training Voucher funding (ETV) is available for eligible young adults and those who after attaining 16 years of age, left DCYF care for guardianship or adoption.
• Tuition Waiver for Foster Children Program: Provides a limited number of tuition and fee waivers to NH State schools for youth formerly in out of home placement through the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families or the New Hampshire Division for Juvenile Justice Services. Participating institutions include the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, Granite State College and the Community College System of New Hampshire. The Department of Education's Division of Higher Education coordinates the program.

Positive Youth Development

• Youth Advisory Board: NH Teen Voices
• Annual Teen Conference: Each year the Adolescent Program and NH Teen Voices host a conference for older teens in out-of-home placement. Designed to help young people connect with each other and build upon adult living skills, these conferences provide opportunities for learning, socialization and fun in a safe, respectful atmosphere.

Financial Assistance

Moderate levels of funding are available to help eligible youth achieve their adult living plan goals, assisting with purchases such as driver education, vocational training, career exploration, educational activities, work clothes, items to set up housekeeping and other needs that may be identified.

Aftercare Services

• Eligible young adults, ages 18-21, who aged out of foster care in New Hampshire are provided with continued case management, support and financial assistance to meet their basic needs and support their pursuit of education, employment, housing and well being goals.

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