Just For Kids

This section is for you if you are in foster care or have been adopted.

Information to help you learn about the laws and regulations that affect you

• NYS Handbook for Youth in Foster Care - Describes your rights and responsibilities
• A Medical Guide for Youth in Care – from NYS Office of Children and Families
• Know Your Rights and Advocate for Yourself – from the Youth Advocacy Center.
• Your Rights in Care:The Service Plan Review / Uniform Care Record Process (pdf)
• Help Getting Heard – Forms and checklists from FYI to inform adults about your opinions
• Lawyers for Children - Handbooks to help young people understand their rights and find support
• NYS OCFS Requirements for Incorporating Youth Voice into the Annual Review/Certification of Foster Homes

Information on applying to and paying for college or vocational programs:

• NYSCCC Tuition Assistance Resources for Youth in or Formerly in Care
• The New York Education and Training Voucher Program – Offers funds to foster youth and former foster youth to enable them to attend colleges, universities and vocational training institutions.
• Paying for College Student Resource Guide (pdf)

These are links to other websites for youth:

• Youth In Progress (“YIP”) - About NY State’s Foster Care Youth Leadership Team.
• Foster Club – online clubs and resources for kids in foster care
• Represent – A bi-monthly magazine written by and for young people in foster care
• The Runaway Switchboard – For teenagers who have or are thinking about running away from home. CONFIDENTIAL AND FREE 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Teen Central – Online counseling for teens by teens
• Casey Family Programs Resources for Youth
• KASA: Kids as Self Advocates – a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth.
• Foster Care Alumni of America – Building a permanent extended-family community for youth in care.

Last modified: September 30, 2011

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