Steps to Emancipation for a Foster Youth
In some states, foster youth automatically "age out," or are emancipated, at 18. In other states, such as Texas, a foster child may elect to remain in foster care until age 21. Emancipation at age 18 must be processed by a juvenile court judge. Children in foster care work closely with their case manager and judge to ensure that their needs are met following emancipation. In California, for example, adults emancipated from the child-care system at age 18 are eligible for independent living assistance, medical insurance until age 21 and money for college.
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Instructions
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Contact your social worker to review your case file and plan. You are allowed to review your case file as early as age 12 in some states. Meet with your social worker at least once every six months to a year to update your list of needs. The closer you are to age 18, the more time you should spend working with your case worker to identify your needs following your emancipation. Sample needs include a living transition allowance, independent living apartment, funds for college and job-search support.
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Request a court appointed special advocate volunteer. A CASA volunteer will take the time to get to know you, your family, your medical professionals, your attorney and social worker to best understand your needs. The CASA volunteer will attend court with you to help see that your case is well handled and your needs are met.
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Sign up for transitional living programs or independent living programs offered by your state foster care system. Attend all meetings and perform all tasks the program requires to make sure you are eligible for the funds and special services it offers. Foster youth should look into these programs between ages 16 and 17 to make sure they get enrolled. Active participation is the best way to ensure that the greatest amount of support is available to you.
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Inform your attorney of your life plan following emancipation. Let your attorney know if you disagree with him about any requests he is planning to make on your behalf. Take notes when you meet with your attorney. Be sure to date and note the time of all conversations with your attorney and all attempts to contact him. Review any questions or concerns with your social worker, the foster care ombudsman and your CASA volunteer.
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Attend all court hearings about your case. Speak up about your needs. Let the judge know your plan for your life following emancipation so she can ensure that you have the most support she can award you at the time of emancipation. Ask for all court reports so you can review them with your social worker, CASA volunteer and attorney prior to your next court hearing.
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If you have a criminal record, once emancipation is granted, request that your record be sealed. Sealing your criminal record will improve your ability to obtain jobs in the future.
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References
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