Introduction to Transition Planning

1. Introduction to Transition Planning Youth & Young Adult Orientation Version 2.0 – 11/28/12

2. What is A transition plan? A transition plan is simply a plan to identify… • what you will need to learn & • the resources you will need to connect with … in order to transition into adulthood successfully.

3. Why do I need a transition plan? Moving into adulthood and becoming independent is a huge step and means you will have to take on a lot of responsibility. • A transition plan helps you identify the things you need so that you are able to successfully take on the responsibilities of independence. • Extended foster care can help provide a safety net for the time between being a minor and taking on the role of fully independent adult. • This safety net can help you build connections and supports to be there when you no longer have an adult or group of people required to make sure your needs are met.

4. Do I get to be involved in creating my transition plan? • YES! It’s all about you. • You need to be the primary creator of your transition plan. It is your future that will be discussed.

5. Who will be involved in creating my transition plan? • You • Your social worker/ILP/probation officer worker • Other support people that you invite, like: • Foster parents • Natural and/or surrogate family • Mentor • Therapist • Youth advocate • Some youth & young adults prefer to have this be a one-on-one experience; others like to have several people helping them with the plan.

6. Do I have to have other people involved in creating my transition plan? • No. You don’t have to have a bunch of people involved in helping you create your transition plan. • Other adults will want to review your plan after it is created. They may want to help support you in accomplishing your plan.

7. Clear communication is key to the transition planning process • Three ways that we interactively communicate: • Verbal Communication - What we say • Para-Verbal Communication - How we say it • Body Language – What our facial expressions, posture and mannerisms are saying

8. Tips for better communication • Verbal – • Be clear and concise – avoid rambling • Avoid too much slang or jargon • Say things in a respectful way– don’t make blaming or judgmental statements • Para-Verbal – • Tone • Volume • Speed • Body Language – • Facial Expressions • Posture & Gestures • Space

9. How do I effectively work with adults? SHARE INFORMATION – • You are the expert on you. Be willing, and most of all, be prepared to share information about yourself. The social worker/probation officer may have a file in front of them that has information about your life, but you are so much more than what is in the file.

10. ASK QUESTIONS – • You have a right to have information explained in a way that you can understand. If words or acronyms that you don’t understand are used, ask for an explanation. • Do not feel rushed or pressured to move on until you have obtained a satisfactory understanding. • Be sure to ask clarifying questions to better understand what people may be suggesting or requesting you to do.

11. BE WILLING TO LISTEN – • The adults you are talking to are a part of your team. Part of being a good team player is allowing your teammates to participate. • Listen to their input and ask questions if you are not clear about what they are saying. • The adults you are working with can often provide valuable insight that will help you avoid mistakes that have lasting negative impacts.

12. IDENTIFY STRENGTHS & CHALLENGES – • Talk about your strengths! This information is important to focus on when building your transition plan. • Share your challenges. This will help the team understand how to best support you and what areas may be the greatest challenge for you. • Identifying your strengths and challenges will help identify the supports and resources that will benefit you as an independent adult.

13. PROPOSE SOLUTIONS – • When challenges are being addressed, it is important to be solution focused so that the team discussion does not get bogged down with what is not working. • Propose solutions to the team that will address your needs and concerns.

14. BE PREPARED – • Do your research! Go into the meeting with a list of points that you want to make, topics you want to discuss, and a list of your strengths and challenges. • Have an idea of what supports and services you would like to request and why you feel those services will benefit you. • Be sure to write down any questions that you have prior to going to the meeting. BE SPECIFIC– • When you are sharing your needs, concerns and desires, be sure to make clear statements that are clear and make the point.

15. What happens if I create a transition plan and then need To change something in the plan? • As you begin to work toward your goals, you may find that your initial decision is not the best fit for you, or that a resource that you thought you had is no longer available. If you need to make a change to your transition plan, that is ok. • Contact your social worker or probation officer who is your primary contact person regarding your transition plan. Clearly explain what has changed and why. They will work with you to update your plan and take the necessary steps to move forward.

16. What things should I include in a transition plan? There are several areas that are called “domains” that will be included in a transition plan. These areas include: • Supportive Relationships & Community Connections - Supports that you have in the community to help you when you need it. • Employment – career planning, job search, etc. • Education – high school diploma or equivalency and continued education like college or vocational training • Housing – housing options and how to find and maintain housing

17. What’s in a transition plan (cont.) • Money Management – budgeting, how to manage checking accounts, etc. • Transportation – sources of transportation and how to access them • Daily Living – cooking, cleaning, taking care and repairing your clothes, etc. • Health, Nutrition & Safety – how to make medical appointments, healthy eating, community safety, etc. • Legal – legal issues that need to be addressed • Personal Documents – birth certificate, ID card, social security card, how to register to vote, etc.

18. Questions?