Teens leaving or aging out of foster care in New York check out the new one-stop place for information, inspiration and real resources to help you get ready life now and after foster care. The YouthSuccessNYC.org web site -- developed by Children's Services; New Yorkers For Children; and Youth Communication -- features teen-written stories, legal and educational information and links to programs and services.

Having an ID is one of the keys to success. Learn how to apply for a birth certificate, Social Security card, and non-driver State ID. Go to www.nyc.gov/GetYourID .

Resource Directory of Youth Workforce Development Services in New York City

The Administration for Children’s Services, FEGS, and New York City Education and Training Coalition (NYCETC) have collaborated on a project: Building Bridges: Connecting the Foster Care and Workforce Communities to Support Positive Outcome for Youth. Enclosed is a list of youth servicing agencies in your community and what services and programs they provide.

Download the Directory (PDF)

Youth Financial Empowerment

Teens in foster care - Youth Financial Empowerment (YFE) is a great way to learn about the power of saving to get the things you want out of life! YFE educates and empowers young people transitioning out of foster care to maximize their resources and build assets for future success.  YFE teaches essential financial literacy skills and also provides matching funds to your contributions.  If you are between 16-21, and save up to $1,000 you will receive matching funds of up to $2,000 to open an Individual Development Accounts (IDA).  Use the money to rent an apartment, buy furniture, pay for college or take an educational trip. Download the brochure (PDF)

Bridges to Health – B2H

Do you or your family need advocacy and support, day habilitation, supported employment or other community based services?  Bridges to Health (B2H) provides these services and more to young people in foster care and their families including birth, foster and adoptive parents and siblings.  B2H consists of three waivers: B2H for children with Serious Emotional Disturbances, B2H for children with Developmental Disabilities, and B2H for Medically Fragile children—designed to provide community-based health care services and supports to children in foster care or community services supervision.  Download the brochure (PDF)

More than half the children living in foster care in New York City are over the age of 12. Preparing Youth for Adulthood seeks to coordinate and strengthen the efforts of ACS and our provider agencies to create positive outcomes for all NYC youth and those transitioning from foster care. Read the Plan

Employers
Learn concrete steps to successfully recruit and train youth for employment including:

• State and federal guidelines for employing minors
• Compensation information
• Sample forms
• Orientation checklists
• Strategies to involve youths in career planning
• Information on partnerships between employers and community-based organizations that support youth as they progress through internships, training and/or various careers
• A youth career development model that helps young workers to succeed within your company

Youths
Get valuable information on preparing for employment and internships including:

• What employers look for in a good employee
• Legal age of employment, work guidelines work conditions that youth and young adults are eligible to work, how to get working papers
• Getting job training vouchers such as Individual Training Grants (ITG)
• Supports and resources: i.e. GED classes, employment and training programs, educational assistance courses, school to work apprenticeship programs, Workforce Career Centers throughout New York City, free and low cost health insurance
• Salary earned by youths across the country for entry level positions

For more information, visit Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies site