Transition Planning & Independent Living

In 2010, Youth Fostering Change chose to focus on improving youth's transition out of foster care and preparing them for independent living. Youth Advocates recommended a mandatory court hearing to ensure the quality of the youth's transition plan prior to discharging an individual from care. Members also developed the Discharge Hearing Form, a court form that youth would fill out and have family court judges review.

The Discharge Hearing Form ensures that a youth exiting care has a meaningful and realistic plan for housing, education, employment, and health care. Youth Fostering Change met with Philadelphia Department of Human Services Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose, as well as attorneys and other youth, to promote their recommendations and court form.