Documents, contacts, and programs to get ready for living on your own. Review the list with your foster caregiver, ILP staff, social worker, or other supporter to get the help you need:
- Joined Independent Living Program…see benefits and schedule
- Government ID ( State ID card or Driver’s license)
- Driver’s license…learn to drive and get your license…get your driver’s license
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- Medi-Cal Card…get your Medi-Cal Card
- Medical primary care contact information (and if 12+, online health account)
- Psychiatrist (if applicable) name and contact information
- Dentist name and contact information
- Optometrist (if applicable) name and contact information
- Bank Account & Debit Card…open your own bank account
- High School Degree or GED
- Dependency Letter – showing that you were in foster care… get your dependency letter
- Applied for CalFresh if in extended foster care (18 -21 years old) and living independently or with roommates…apply for CalFresh
- Made plans for pregnancy prevention/family planning…learn about prevention and safe sex
- Made plans for housing, including speaking to your social worker about opportunities for transitional housing…learn about housing options and FREE household furnishings
- College Pathway
- Filed FAFSA and Chafee (financial aid applications for further education) your last year in high school…get FREE Financial Aid – FAFSA and Chafee
- Participating in NextUP program or Guardian Scholars Program (if enrolled in college)…join NextUP and get FREE resources
- Job Pathway
- Applied to a Job Training program…find a FREE training program
- Pregnant and parenting foster youth
- Receiving WIC...get WIC food and other benefits
- Have a new carseat…get a free car seat and installation
- Working with Yolo Help Me Grow for ASQ developmental screenings and information about age appropriate activities…get Help Me Grow support
- Registered to vote…sign up here (takes 5+ minutes to enroll)