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In Foster Care

Are you ready to leave it?
There are 20 action items the State of Washington recommends all youth transitioning out of foster care complete to best prepare yourself for independent living. While you are in foster care, check the list and see what you still need to do:

  1. have a social security card
  2. have a photo identification card
  3. have a public library card
  4. have an alarm clock
  5. have a calendar
  6. have a copy of your birth certificate
  7. have a completed Passport or Health and Education history
  8. have medical insurance
  9. have done volunteer work
  10. have paid work experience
  11. have a resume or employment experience record
  12. have a source of income
  13. have an appropriate place to live
  14. have a friend
  15. have a reliable adult in your life
  16. have a mailing address
  17. have favorite things you like to do
  18. have membership with an organized social or service club or group
  19. have a driver's permit or driver's license
  20. your SSPS authorized by DSHS

For a full assessment of your independent living skills, visit www.caseylifeskills.org. The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment can be completed online and it is automatically scored. It asks specific questions regarding life skills and abilities, such as daily living tasks, money management, self-care, social development and work habits. The assessment is free. You can select an age appropriate assessment anywhere from 8 to 25 years-old.

 

 

 

 

1. Do I need permission to take the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment?

2. What if I want to leave care early and be emancipated?

 

 



 

 

YMCA Independent Living Program

Take advantage of opportunities in the areas of: educational planning, job preparation and readiness, community referrals for food and other emergency services, housing, household maintenance, activities and events. Participants must be between 16-18 years of age and be referred by a state DCFS cae worker. Once referred, the program will work with you until your 21st birthday. See the Resources and Help Independent Service Provider section.

  



 


YMCA Transitions Program

If you are a former foster care youth, you may be eligible to get assistance with housing, education, career development, life skills and independent living. You must be between 18 to 23 years-old, not pregnant or parenting and have had no felony convictions. See the Resources and Help Independent Service Provider section.