Foster Care Transitioning

Making a Good Choice About Your Transition

• Consider calling the Transitional Living Programs yourself and asking questions about the program.
• Visit the program websites listed in this Guidebook.
• Talk to your social worker.
• Talk to people who have had experience with the program.
• Think about your plans for the future. What transition choice will best prepare you for the life you want?

Transition Programs and Agencies

MODIFY - Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU

The Mentoring with Oversight for Developing Independence with Foster Youth Program (MODIFY) provides on-going services to youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. The program also provides technical assistance to the Department of Health and Human Resources, group foster care residential facilities, specialized foster care agencies, youth, foster parents, and the community on independent living services and transitioning services for youth aging out of foster care.

REGIONAL TRANSITION NAVIGATOR SERVICES - Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU

Youth and young adults (14-25 years) who are experiencing, have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing serious emotional disturbance, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders. Emphasis of services is given to individuals who are experiencing homelessness, who are aging out of foster care or juvenile detention, or at risk for human trafficking.

• Connect with eligible individuals to identify needs, assess skill levels, and link to needed service providers
• Develop a network of supports for individuals based on their needs to improve their health outcomes
• Provide consultation to other partners and providers about the needs of individuals and how best to strengthen the services within the state

Visit the Regional Transition Navigators Website

Burlington United Methodist Family Services Pathways - Transitional Living

304.252.8508

Burlington utilizes a holistic team approach to treatment that promotes the mental and spiritual wellness and behavioral stability required for successful community reintegration. Individual programming is offered based on young adults needs.

Visit the Burlington United Methodist Family Services Website

Children's Home Society of West Virginia Transitional Living Program

304-346-0795

Transitional Living Program helps young adults aged 16-22 transition to adulthood by providing them assistance with housing, life skills training, educational support, and vocational assistance.

Visit Children's Home Society of West Virginia

General inquiries may also be directed to childrenshomesociety@childhswv.org.

Daymark

1598 C Washington Street, East
Charleston, WV 25311
304.340.3690

The New Connections Independent Living program is for older youth (16-21) who are in the custody of the state, or who are homeless. Five on-site apartments are rented to youth who are working and attending school. Residents maintain their own apartments, but groceries, prepare their own meals, and manage their own money. New Connections staff provides help in setting up the apartment, support, and twenty-four hour a day supervision.

It's My Move - Stepping Stones, Inc.

(304) 429-2297

It's My Move gives you a chance to try new things without doing it alone. It's a step by step journey into adulthood with caring people at your side.

• Learn about people and places that can help you.
• Connect with people who can help you think about your future career, get a job and do well at work.
• Step up into your own apartment gradually with a 3-step program that teaches you what you need to know along the way.
• Learn important skills for taking care your home, your life and your world.
• You make your dreams come true by making good choices. It's My Move gives you the time, support and advice you need to get it right.

Visit the It's My Move Website

Full Resource Guide from It's My Move

Youth Transition Project - Stepping Stones, Inc.

P.O. Box 539
Lavalette, WV 25535
(304) 429-2297

Focused on youth ages 16-23 transitioning from foster care or experiencing homelessness. The centerpiece of the project is a tiny-home village with comprehensive life skills, employment training, education and well-being supports provided by the broader community.

Youth Transition Flier

Youth Services System

(304) 233-9627

Youth Services System (YSS) Inc. is a West Virginia non-profit organization that has served over 16,000 young people in the last 34 years. YSS began in 1974 to offer new and innovative options to West Virginia's at-risk youth. We offer a range of services, all aimed at resolving crisis and building skills and social connections for youth.

Additional Transition Resources

• Links for youth
• Adulting 101
• FC-18 Fact Sheet
• Getting a copy of your birth certificate Fact Sheet