Your Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) and Local Department of Social Services provides a variety of Youth Transitional Services through various Out-of-Home Placement (OHP) programs(foster care, kinship care, pre-adoptive placement).
Maryland Youth Transitional Services are services to prepare a youth for independence and are available to committed youth or youth under a voluntary placement agreement in any out-of-home placement 14 to 21 years of age, regardless of permanency plan or placement type. The goal for Maryland’s Independent Living Services is to provided you with assistance in accomplishing your goal(s) in order to make a successful transition from Out-of-Home Placement to adulthood.
Receiving transitional services provide for basic living skills building in partnering with your resource provider and caseworker. You have the opportunity to participate in individual and/or group life skills building classes and activities. Together you, your resource provider and your caseworker assess the your proficiency in life skills. The assessment outcomes are used to determine your ability to meet your daily living activities. Individual goals and services are arranged and offered according to your needs not wants.
Through the delivery of transitional youth services, you are encouraged to take an active role in planning the activities and services needed in order for you to thrive once you leave foster care. Transitional services are designed to prepare you for adulthood. These services focus on developing and enhancing your social and emotional supports, social skills, proficiency in education, and employment status and goals.
What is included in Youth Transitional Services?
Education
High School Expenses Assistance:
Your Local Departments shall provide graduating high school seniors with financial assistance up to $750 to contribute to the following prioritized expenses: Priority 1- Senior Class Dues/Package
- Graduation Fees
- Cap and Gown
- Class Ring
- Senior Pictures
- Yearbook
- Prom Expenditures (ticket, attire, pictures and/or transportation)
Eligibility
Youth must be:- Committed to the Department;
- Enrolled in a public/private high school or education program; and,
- Graduating from a high school or education program within the school year financial assistance is provided.
Additional Information
- Tuition Waiver
- FAFSA
- Education Training Voucher (ETV)
Out-of-Home Placement Types
- Traditional Foster Care
- Treatment Foster Care
- Residential Semi-Independent Living Program
- Apartment Independent Living Program
Ansel Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA)
The Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment is a great tool used to determine your level of independent living skills. The assessment tool is completed by you and your adult supporter (i.e. caregiver, case worker, Independent Living Coordinator). The assessment is culturally sensitive and is appropriate for every individual regardless their current living arrangement.
Life Skill areas addressed include:
- Career Planning
- Communications
- Daily Living
- Home Life
- Housing
- Money Management
- Self-Care
- Social Relationships
- Work Life
- Work and Study Skills