Resources & Information for Youth in Foster Care
Welcome
We are honored to be here for you. Foster care exists so you can be safe until your parents or caregivers are able to provide a safe home for you again. We are dedicated to supporting you as you experience out-of-home care.
This web page is designed to share information and resources to help you navigate things you may be going through while you are in foster care and to help you as you prepare for your future.
If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please reach out to your caseworker.
LSS Foster Youth Handbook: a handbook that describes what you can expect, your rights and responsibilities and other useful information for planning your future.
Your Mental Health & Well-being
At LSS we believe mental health is the foundation for all health and well-being. We are here to help you through whatever you are going through. We understand that being in foster care means you have had to face difficult and painful circumstances. It is normal to feel angry, upset or anxious.
Talking to someone who cares can help. Talk to a friend, your foster parents, a trusted teacher or your caseworker. They are all people who want to support you and help you feel better.
If you are upset, don’t know where to turn and need immediate support, below are links to some resources where someone could help you.
Crisis hotlines:
- Crisis Text Line– Text 741741. Connect with a trained crisis counselor any time about any issues that need immediate support.
- Minnesota Suicide Prevention
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
Here are additional resources and information we think you may find helpful.
Online Resources
- Connections To Independence: programming and advocacy for youth in foster care ages 15-24 for successful transition to independent living.
- Your Well-Being: an assessment tool to help you evaluate areas of your life where you may need more support.
- News and information from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Includes links to national resources and information for youth aging out of foster care.
- Life Skills: a program used with your case worker or mentor to identify skills that need strengthening for future success.
Stories
- Caleb Swanigan's Story (basketball star taken in by coach)
- Michael Franti Story (young mixed race man placed for adoption speaks about loss and finding success)
- Read real stories of youth in foster care
Help
Connections to others who have experienced or are experiencing foster care
- Foster Alumni (Connect, support and inspire alumni of foster care)
- Foster Club (Support for young people experiencing foster care)