Building Life Skills for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Transitioning from foster care into adulthood is pivotal in a young person's life. Unfortunately, the statistics are sobering: youth who age out of the foster care system are significantly more likely to face unemployment and struggle with stability. To counter these challenges, it’s essential to equip these young adults with practical life skills that will empower them to forge their own paths successfully. Here’s why and how we should focus on building these skills.

1. Focus on Their Interests

Every individual has unique interests and strengths, and leveraging these can be incredibly motivating. When working with youth in foster care, it's crucial to:

• Identify Natural Interests: Engage with them to discover what they are passionate about. This can be anything from art and technology to sports or entrepreneurship.
• Develop Related Skills: Once interests are identified, help them develop relevant skills. For example, if a youth is interested in woodworking, provide opportunities for them to build their own projects. Engage them from start to finish. How much does wood cost, where do we get it from? What would we like to build. Creating the plan and executing it is a valuable skill for anyone.

By focusing on what excites them, you can foster a sense of purpose and enthusiasm, which is essential for building a sense of ownership and success.

2. Career Development

Career development is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Using evidence-based supported employment techniques can make a significant difference:

• Interest-Based Career Exploration: Use their interests and strengths to brainstorm potential career paths. If a youth enjoys working with animals, explore careers in veterinary services or animal care. What are the entry-level jobs they could get related to that career? 
• Skill Assessment and Training: Provide opportunities for skill assessment and targeted training. List out all the possible entry-level positions and then think about businesses in the local community they could plug into. 
• Resume Building: Emphasize that every experience, whether through Stable Moments or volunteering, contributes to their resume. Even if these roles aren’t directly related to their ideal job, they demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth. Each opportunity helps build a narrative of dedication and adaptability that future employers will value.

 By tailoring career development to their strengths and passions, you help them envision a future that feels attainable and relevant to their personal goals.

3. Financial Literacy

Understanding financial management is crucial for independence. Help youth develop a solid foundation in financial literacy by:

• Paint the Vision: Discuss their desires, such as where they want to live or what kind of car they want to drive. 
• Creating a Budget: Break down the financial implications of their vision. Assist them in creating a budget that outlines their income, expenses, and savings goals. How much will they need to make to live within their means. 

Think of low-cost, creative solutions to navigate financial barriers. Rent may be overwhelming, but could you get roommates? Could you work somewhere for room and board? The idea here is to foster resourcefulness to overcome feelings of helplessness. Budgeting and financial planning are vital skills that empower youth to make informed decisions and work toward financial stability. 

4. Prioritize the Relationship (As Always)

Building trust and maintaining a supportive relationship is fundamental:

• Engage Based on Interest: Only involve them in activities and skill-building exercises if they are genuinely interested and find them beneficial. Forcing participation can lead to disengagement.
• Build Trust and Support: Establish a supportive environment where they feel safe to express their concerns and aspirations. Your role is not to teach, but to mentor and guide them through this transitional phase. 

Maintaining a strong, trusting relationship ensures that the youth feel valued and understood, which enhances their motivation to learn and grow.

Equipping youth who are aging out of foster care with essential life skills is more than just teaching them practical tasks; it’s about empowering them to build a meaningful and stable future. By focusing on their interests, supporting their career development, teaching financial literacy, and maintaining a strong relational foundation, we can help these young individuals navigate the transition to adulthood with confidence and purpose. It’s about creating opportunities for them to not just survive, but thrive in their new chapters of life.