Links for Youth

• www.FosterClub.com (Website with many resources for teens in care.)
• www.Orphan.org (Orphan Foundation of America, information on scholarships, mentoring, and more.)
• www.FosterCareAlumni.org (Organization of foster care alumni for advocacy and connnection.
• www.FYI3.com (National network for foster children & foster youth. Involved, Informed, Independent.)
• www.IowaWorkforce.com
• www.Jobinterviewquestions.org (Lots of tips for preparing for a job interview.)
• www.FosterClub.com (Website with many resources for teens in care.)
• www.Orphan.org (Orphan Foundation of America, information on scholarships, mentoring, and more.)
• www.nationalfostercare.org
• www.youthinprogress.org (Youth driven organization to provide information for former foster youth.)
• www.elevate2inspire.com (Iowa based youth organization for foster care and adopted teens.)
• www.Jobinterviewquestions.org (Lots of tips for preparing for a job interview.)
• www.caseyfamilyservices.org (Connecting families, children, parents, foster families and the community.)
• www.ypii.org/JCYOI.htm (Jim Casey Youth Opportunities and Opportunity Passport for youth residing in Polk County)
• Obtaining an ID when you don't have an ID (PDF link)

Links for  Professionals

• http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/   (link to Mental Health Central Point of Coordination list.)

• http://www.ypii.org   (links to IASN website; IASN database entry)

• http://www.caseylifeskills.org   (Free, Ansell-Casey assessment)

• http://www.nrcys.ou.edu   (Provides state specific information for every state around the implementation of Chafee Program)

• http://www.legis.state.ia.us  (Iowa legislative branch website; follow current legislative sessions; contact information for every county representative(s) and senator(s).

• http://www.homeincdsm.org  (website resource for rental rights and responsibilities.  The handbook, “Rental Handbook for Tenants and Landlords,” provides information for tenants before they rent and while you rent, and finally how to terminate a tenancy.)

• http://ifahome.com/aftercare_services_rent_subsidy.asp   (website for aftercare rent subsidy)

• http://www.iowacollegeaid.org (website for ETV application)

• http://www.countyofsb.org/ilp/programs.asp  California IL programs.  Click on “Thinking it Through” for a curriculum over 200 pages that can be printed by individual pages or sections.

• www.state.gov/other.cf  and www.vitalchek.com  -- finding birth certificates if from out of country

• www.SAMHSA.gov

• Assisting youth to obtain ID when they do not have ID (staff focused PDF)

Links for  Parents and Families

• http://www.mockingbirdsociety.org  (Monthly newspaper written by young people who are currently in or have been in foster care and/or homeless)

• http://www.careerkey.org/english  (website for youth exploring careers; career inventory; job outlooks; salaries; education requirements; fits youth interests)

•  http://www.Vstreet.com  (interactive website for youth in foster care; chat with fellow foster youth; learn how to find jobs; apartments; life skills; if you have questions the contact is Rhonda Frazier 305-993-1948)

•  http://www.empowerment.state.ia.us/  (website that lists contacts per county in Iowa for empowerment services serving families with children birth—5 years old; great resource for single parents; parenting skills, home visiting; headstart; child care;

•  http://www.legis.state.ia.us  (Iowa legislative branch website; follow current legislative sessions; contact information for every county representative(s) and senator(s).

•  http://www.homeincdsm.org/FLASH/housing.html   (website resource for rental rights and responsibilities.  The handbook, “Rental Handbook for Tenants and Landlords,” provides information for tenants before they rent and while you rent, and finally how to terminate a tenancy.)

• http://ifahome.com/aftercare_services_rent_subsidy.asp   (website for aftercare rent subsidy)

• http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/index.php  go into Teacher resources for youth ages 18 and up and get 10 lessons on credit, living on your own, consumer awareness, etc.

• http://www.iowacollegeaid.org (website for ETV application)

• http://www.managingmoney.com/  changing your life through better money management.

• http://www.iowalegalaid.org/ia/homepage.html  Iowa legal aid

• http://www.womenshealthiowa.info/   information on women’s health

• http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/  the Iowa Department of Human Services

• www.caseyfamilyservices.org (Connecting families, children, parents, foster families and the community.)
• Obtaining an ID when you don't have an ID (PDF link)