These tools help youth and young adults understand their rights, engage in their communities, and take charge of their futures. This information offers supportive guidance on navigating the child welfare system and making informed decisions about what comes next. Whether you are speaking up, planning ahead, or finding your path, this space is here to support you.
For more information, please feel free to contact Heather Jones DCF Transitional Supports and Services.
Civic Engagement
Being an Active and Responsible Member of Your Community by Participating in Your Right to Vote, Volunteering, Staying Informed About Local and National Issues, and Speaking Up for Causes you Care About.
- Contact your Elected Official: Use this tool to locate and contact your elected officials, from your Mayor to the President of the United States. A powerful way to use your voice.
- Implicit-Bias-Peanut-butter-jelly-and-racism: Watch this video and learn more about Implicit Bias, your impact, and how it impacts all around you.
- Racial Justice and Anti-Racism: Important racial justice information and how injustice shows up in today's world.
- Trying to Find A Cause You Care About? Commit yourself to building a safer, kinder, fairer, world starting in your community. Links to causes in your community.
Why Is It Important to Register to Vote (and Vote)? Your Voice Matters!
Voter Registration Information: Where, when and how to register to vote in CT.
Navigating the Child Welfare System
Navigating the Child Welfare System Means Understanding Your Rights, Knowing Who is There to Help You, and Using Available Resources to Make Informed Decisions About Your Life, Safety, and Future.
- DCF Adolescent Bill of Rights: Learn about your rights while in foster care.
- DCF Child/Sibling Bill of Rights: What to expect while in foster care, your rights, and who to contact.
- DCF Office of Multicultural Affairs: CT DCF policy, practice, and practice guides as well as links to helpful services.
- Legal Rights of Teens: Do you need answers to legal questions? The Center for Children's Advocacy may be able to help.
- Using Your Voice: A Guide for Youth and Young Adults on Participating in Case Planning Being involved in the planning for your life is important. Learn more here about the importance of your voice and participation in case planning.
Looking Forward
Step into a Positive Future with Confidence. It's Your Space to Explore What's Next and Build the Life You Want!
- Life After Graduation: Congratulations, you have graduated! Important information on how to plan for your next steps.
- Talking To Your Parent or a Trusted Adult: Support and Why It's Important Having someone in your life who is a trusted adult is important. Here are tips on how to safely open up to them.
- Unashamed: Support for teens and young adults ages 14-26 who are currently, or have been in, foster care, to succeed in school, work and life.
- Planning My Path: A User-Friendly Toolkit for Young Adults. A youth and young adult focused website offering tips and information to help plan for your future.