STAY (Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth) Program

Program info

The STAY is for youth who are still working with a county or tribal social worker. The purpose of this program is:

1. to support youth in their transition to adulthood through transitional services such as assistance in obtaining a high school diploma and post-secondary education, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention, training and opportunities to practice daily living skills (such as financial literacy training and driving instruction), substance abuse prevention, and preventive health activities (including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention);
2. to help youth achieve meaningful, permanent connections with a caring adult;
3. to help youth engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities, positive youth development, and experiential learning that reflects what their peers in intact families experience; and
4. to provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former foster care youth after age 18 up to 23 to complement their own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to assure that they recognize and accept their personal responsibility for preparing for and then making the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Eligibility

Services

STAY services will help youth meet their independent living plan goals. Services available can vary depending on the county where the youth lives. Youth may be able to get help with:

• Independent living skills training – Training topics and assistance may include academic support, career exploration, employment supports, budgeting and financial management, housing and home management, health and health insurance, risk prevention, relationships, coping skills, communication and parenting skills, post-secondary education exploration, assistance with post-secondary and financial aid applications, registration for Selective Service, and collection of vital documents 
• Transportation – This could include mileage reimbursement, bicycles, gas cards, bus cards, car insurance or car repairs so they can accomplish goals of their independent living plan, driver’s education and permit/license fees, and teaching use of public transportation in a community.
• Education – This could include tutors, GED fees, ACT/SAT or other test fees, internet fees, exploring post-secondary education and financial aid options, post-secondary school applications and payment of fees; post-secondary school financial aid applications, obtaining school and medical records, income tax forms, health insurance, Social Security card, and other vital documents necessary to apply for post-secondary school and financial aid for which they may be eligible.
• Employment – This could include job shadowing or an internship, career exploration, resume development, job seeking skills, phone cards/fees, mock job interviews, finding and keeping a part-time job, fees to obtain a state-issued identification card, cost of work uniforms or attire for job interviews, wage or subsidized wage for an internship experience, and cost of employment training programs.
• Permanent connections – This could include creating Life Books documenting their journey and experiences in and outside of the foster care system, youth transition plans using the Family Group Decision Making model, connecting youth with long-term mentors, connecting youth with significant persons from their past, relative searches and contact with relatives or previous foster parents.
• Age-appropriate activities – Support emotional and developmental growth by permitting youth to participate in extracurricular, social, or cultural activities, or events generally accepted as suitable for others of the same chronological age, or as developmentally appropriate. This could include sports, arts, prom, graduation parties, etc.
• Room and board/housing assistance – This category can only be used for youth over age 18 in extended foster care, or who left care after age 18. This could include damage deposits, short-term rent subsidies, assistance with utilities, household goods, groceries, start-up purchases, and furnishings.

Learn more

STAY (Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth) services can vary depending on the county in which the youth lives.

To find out what is available in your area, call your county or tribal social worker. If you don't know who to contact, call the Minnesota Department of Human Services.