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    Homelessness

    Almost half of former youth in care have experienced homelessness. This includes couch-surfing, staying in shelters, or living on the streets. If you’re worried about homelessness, there are places you can turn to find short and long-term solutions.

    Where can I find somewhere to stay?

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    • Shelters: Search for available beds in local shelters. Many shelters have a fluctuating availability, so check back frequently.
    • Youth in Need: If you’re under 18 and need a safe place to stay, you can reach out to hotlines designed to assist youth:
      • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
      • National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

    Insider Tip:

    • If you receive Income Assistance and can’t pay your rent due to an emergency, you can apply for a Crisis Supplement or emergency rental assistance through local programs.

    Finding long term assistance

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    If you struggle with finding permanent housing, various agencies and programs can assist you in securing long-term housing:

    • Subsidized Housing: Assistance for those who:
      • Have a low income.
      • Are single parents.
      • Have a disability.
      • Require support services through assisted living.
      • Are fleeing abuse.
      • Are homeless.
      • Are Indigenous.
    • Supportive Housing: Designed for individuals who:
      • Are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
      • Have mental and/or physical health needs.
      • Need safe, affordable housing

    Resources to Help

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    • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Provides information on affordable housing programs and local housing authorities.
    • United Way: Call 2-1-1 for assistance with finding housing and other services.
    • Local Nonprofits: Organizations like Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and community action agencies often provide housing assistance.

    Taking these steps can help you secure both immediate and long-term housing solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these resources for support and guidance.

    Knowing your rights as a tenant

    Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you handle conflicts with your landlord more effectively. Below are tools and resources to help you learn more about your rights as a tenant.

    What are my rights?

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    Paying Rent and Other Fees
    • Application Fees: In many states, there are regulations limiting or prohibiting application fees. Always check your local laws.
    • Deposits: You may be asked to pay a security deposit, often equivalent to one month’s rent. Some states have limits on the amount that can be charged for security deposits. Pet deposits may be an additional charge.
    • Rent: Rent is usually due on the first of the month, unless your lease states otherwise.

    Insider Tips:

    • Pay by check or electronic transfer.
    • Always get a receipt for your rent payments.
    • Keep all receipts and canceled checks for your records.
    Damage and Repairs
    • Inspection Report: Complete a property inspection report with your landlord when you move in and keep a copy for yourself.
    • Cleanliness: Ensure your new place is clean before you move in and clean it thoroughly when you move out.
    • Repairs: Notify your landlord if essential items stop working, such as:
      • Heating
      • Plumbing
      • Electricity
      • Locks
      • Fire doors and escapes
      • Intercoms
      • Appliances (fridge and stove)
      • Laundry facilities

    Responsibilities:

    • Report needed repairs to the landlord.
    • Inform the landlord of any infestations, such as mice, cockroaches, or bedbugs.
    • Report any damage caused by you or your guests, even if accidental.
    Privacy and Noise
    • Landlord Entry: Your landlord can only enter your unit with 24 hours’ written notice, specifying the date, time, and reason for entry, typically between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.
    • Noise: You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your rental unit. This means you can enjoy your home without excessive noise from neighbors, and you should also avoid making noise that disturbs others.
    Moving Out and Eviction
    • Moving Out:
      • Notice: Give your landlord at least one month’s notice before moving out. It’s best to notify them when you pay your last month’s rent.
      • Utilities: Inform utility companies (heating, cable, phone) of your move and provide your new address.
      • Clean and Clear: Ensure the apartment is clean and all your belongings are removed by midnight on your last day as a tenant.
    • Getting Your Deposit Back:
      • The unit should be in the same condition as when you moved in, with no new damage and thoroughly cleaned.
      • Use your property inspection report to check for any damage that might be deducted from your deposit.
    • Eviction:
      • Landlords can issue different types of eviction notices depending on the reason. The shortest notice period can be as little as 10 days for severe violations.
      • If you receive an eviction notice and disagree with it, you can apply for dispute resolution. Most states have online forms and processes to contest eviction notices.

    Insider Tip:

    • If you are facing financial difficulties and can’t pay your rent due to an emergency, check if your state offers emergency rental assistance programs.
    Eating Disorders

    Many people worry about their weight and have body-image issues. But if thoughts about food are taking over your life, you might be dealing with disordered eating or an eating disorder. If you’re concerned about your own eating habits or a friend’s, there are many ways to get help.

    Common Types of Eating Disorders

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    Anorexia:

    • Not eating or eating very little.
    • Intense fear of gaining weight.
    • Obsession with losing weight and being thin.
    • Feeling overweight even when underweight.

    Bulimia:

    • Eating large amounts of food in a short period.
    • Purging (vomiting or using laxatives or diuretics) or over-exercising to get rid of calories.

    Binge Eating Disorder:

    • Regularly eating large amounts of food in a short period without purging.
    • Feeling out of control when eating.
    • Feeling guilty or depressed after eating.

    Do I have an eating disorder?

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    You might have an eating disorder if you think constantly about food, weight, and body size and it:

    • Affects your mood.
    • Interferes with your usual activities.

    How can I get help?

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    If you think you might have an eating disorder or disordered eating, it’s crucial to reach out for help. Here are some steps you can take:

    • Talk to a Trusted Adult: This could be a foster parent, caseworker, teacher, or school counselor.
    • Seek Professional Help: Mental health professionals can provide support and treatment plans tailored to your needs.
    • Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.

    Remember, recognizing the problem is the first step towards recovery. There are many resources and people ready to support you.

    Depression

    Depression is a persistent low mood that interferes with daily life and relationships. The good news is that depression is highly treatable, with around 80% of those receiving treatment reporting improvement. If you think you might be depressed, it’s important to talk to someone about getting help.

    Recognizing Depression

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    You might be experiencing depression if there’s a noticeable change in how you think and feel. Common symptoms include:

    • Feeling unhappy or empty.
    • Having dark and gloomy thoughts.
    • Thinking about death or suicide.
    • Feeling numb.
    • Thinking that you’re worthless or a failure.
    • Constantly criticizing and blaming yourself.
    • Being unable to concentrate.
    • Finding it very difficult to make decisions.
    • Feeling unmotivated to do anything.
    • Losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy.

    Other signs of depression include changes in behavior, such as:

    • Crying frequently.
    • Not performing as well at school or work.
    • Avoiding friends.
    • Being grumpy and irritable with family and friends.
    • Having trouble sleeping or staying in bed all day.
    • Not eating because you don’t feel hungry.

    It’s important to recognize these symptoms and seek help.

    Anxiety

    Anxiety is your body’s reaction to danger or stress. It can be really helpful in some situations, like when you need to jump out of the way of a speeding car. But sometimes, it’s like your body thinks you’re in danger when you aren’t. That’s when anxiety can stop you from enjoying life. Learn more about anxiety disorders and getting help below

    Is anxiety a disorder

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    Everyone feels anxious at times. But if your anxiety is impacting your life and changing the way you think, feel, and act, it might be an anxiety disorder. Here are some signs of various anxiety disorders:

    • An intense fear of a specific object or situation.
    • A fear of embarrassing yourself in public or worry that people are judging you.
    • A constant feeling of uneasiness and difficulty relaxing.
    • Unpleasant thoughts and feelings about a past traumatic event.
    • Repeating certain behaviors like counting or hand washing because it seems to help stop the anxiety.
    • Sudden overwhelming feelings of terror that may include a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a fear of having a heart attack, or fear that you’re going “crazy.”

    What can I do if I have anxiety?

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    Anxiety disorders are treatable. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can get back to enjoying life and achieving your goals.

    • Counselling: Counsellors or mental health professionals can help you work through the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and triggers contributing to your anxiety. They can also teach you coping skills.
    • Medication: Anti-anxiety medications can be used in combination with counselling to reduce your body’s response to anxiety.
    • Support groups: You are not alone. Anxiety disorder support groups are a great way to share your experiences and learn from the experiences of others.
    • Self-help: Making small lifestyle changes can reduce your anxiety.
      • Get regular exercise.
      • Eat well.
      • Use relaxation techniques.
      • Spend time with friends and family.
      • Be spiritually active.
      • Avoid coffee, drugs, and alcohol.
    Cutting and Self-Harm

    When someone hurts themselves to deal with painful and difficult feelings, it’s called self-harm. Read below to find out more about the self-harming behavior and how to get help.

    Variations of Self Harm

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    Self-harm can take many forms, including but not limited to:

    • Cutting: Using sharp objects to make cuts on the skin.
    • Burning: Using heat sources to burn the skin.
    • Scalding: Pouring hot liquids onto the skin.
    • Stabbing: Using sharp objects to puncture the skin.
    • Banging Body Parts Against a Wall: Hitting parts of the body against hard surfaces.
    • Hair-Pulling: Pulling out hair from the scalp or other areas of the body.
    • Biting: Biting oneself to cause pain or injury.
    • Breaking Bones: Deliberately causing fractures or breaks in bones.
    • Jumping from Heights or in Front of Vehicles: Engaging in risky behaviors that can lead to serious injury or death.
    • Swallowing or Inserting Objects into the Body: Ingesting or embedding foreign objects.
    • Self-Poisoning: Ingesting toxic substances or overdosing on medication.

    These behaviors are often a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stress. If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it’s important to seek professional help immediately.

    What are some of the reasons someone self harms

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    Self-harming is an unhealthy coping method. You might harm yourself to:

    • Cope with anxiety or depression.
    • Cope with loss, trauma, violence, or other difficult situations.
    • Punish yourself.
    • Turn emotional pain into physical pain.
    • Feel ‘real’ and replace feelings of emptiness or numbness.
    • Feel euphoria.
    • Feel like you’re in control of your body.
    • Simply feel better.

    What should I do if I am thinking about self harming?

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    If You’re Thinking of Hurting Yourself

    • Call the Crisis Hotline: Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

    Go to the Nearest Hospital: Seek emergency care for urgent medical treatment

    Getting Help with Coping Skills

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    Talk to a Counselor or Mental Health Professional: They can provide support and teach you healthy ways to manage difficult emotions.

    Reach Out to a Supportive Adult: Share your feelings with someone you trust, such as a family member, teacher, or mentor.

    Attend a Support Group: Joining a group where you can share experiences and learn from others can be beneficial.

    Resources for Support

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    Resources for Support

    • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides a helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) for assistance with finding treatment and support.

    Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. There are many resources and people ready to support you through difficult times.

    Addictions

    Some people who use substances like alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs, become dependent on them. If your substance use is causing problems at work, home, school, or in relationships, but you keep using it, you might have an addiction. You have many options for getting help. 

    What are the signs and symptoms of addiction?

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    Recognizing addiction involves observing certain patterns and behaviors:

    • Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at school, work, or home due to substance use.
    • Dangerous Situations: Using substances in risky situations, like driving under the influence or using unclean needles.
    • Relationship Issues: Experiencing conflicts in personal relationships because of substance use.
    • Tolerance: Needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects.
    • Withdrawal Relief: Using substances to alleviate withdrawal symptoms like nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
    • Loss of Control: Using more of the substance than intended or engaging in activities despite wanting to stop.
    • Substance-Centric Life: Spending a lot of time using, thinking about, obtaining, and recovering from substances.
    • Lifestyle Changes: Abandoning hobbies or activities once enjoyed.
    • Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in substance use despite knowing it’s causing significant problems.
    • Legal and Housing Issues: Facing homelessness or legal consequences due to substance-related behaviors.

    Seeking Help for Addiction

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    If you decide to stop using substances, several support options are available:

    • Counseling: Engage with a mental health professional to understand your triggers, develop safety plans, and access local resources.
    • Daytox Programs: Participate in medically monitored day programs to safely withdraw from substances.
    • Detox Programs: Stay in a short-term residential program, typically five to seven days, to become substance-free and work on personal goals.
    • Long-Term Treatment: Access long-term, intensive residential support to aid in recovery.
    • Support Groups: Join groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to learn recovery steps and share experiences with others.
    • Financial Assistance: Some programs, such as Agreements with Young Adults (AYA), provide financial support for treatment if you meet eligibility criteria.
    Birth Control Options

    It’s a good idea to talk to a health care professional about what will work best for you. The information below is a good place to start.

    Medicaid generally covers the cost of birth control in the United States. This includes a range of contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injections, patches, and emergency contraception. Coverage specifics can vary by state, as each state administers its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, but family planning services, including birth control, are typically covered without cost-sharing.

    What Options are Available?

    Hormonal Methods

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    Hormonal methods mimic natural hormones in the woman’s body, typically preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. These prescription birth control methods are generally covered by Medicaid and other insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act:

    • Birth Control Pill:
      • Effectiveness: 92%
    • Patch:
      • Effectiveness: 92%
    • NuvaRing:
      • Effectiveness: 92%
    • Depo-Provera (Depo shot):
      • Effectiveness: 97%

    Condoms

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    Condoms act as a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

    • Male Condom:
      • Effectiveness: 85%
      • Cost: $0.50 – $2 each
    • Female Condom:
      • Effectiveness: 79%
      • Cost: $1.50 – $5 each
      • Some clinics provide free or low-cost condoms, especially for youth and young adults.

    Intrauterine Device (IUD)

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    IUDs are small, T-shaped devices inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor. IUDs are often covered by Medicaid and other insurance plans:

    • Copper IUD:
      • Effectiveness: 99.2%
    • Hormonal IUD:
      • Effectiveness: 99.9%

    How do I access free birth control?

    You can obtain a prescription for birth control from various healthcare providers, including walk-in clinics, hospitals, doctors, and pharmacies.

    To access birth control options covered under Medicaid or insurance plans:

    1. Get a Prescription: Visit a healthcare provider to get a prescription for birth control.
    2. Present Prescription: Present your prescription and insurance information at any pharmacy.
    3. Receive Birth Control: The pharmacist will fill your prescription, often at no cost to you.

    What about if you don’t have medicade?

    For Birth Control Not Covered by Insurance

    Some birth control methods may not be fully covered by insurance. For these options:

    • Low-Cost Clinics: Visit clinics that offer free or low-cost birth control. Visit Planned Parenthood or something similar in your area
    • Income Assistance: Some programs offer additional coverage for individuals on income assistance.
    • Non-Insured Health Benefits: Certain birth control methods are covered for Indigenous peoples through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.

    References:

    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Birth Control: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

    Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Birth Control Methods. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control

    Options for Obtaining GED

     If you didn’t graduate high school or want to get into a college or university, you can get what is called a GED or HiSET in some states.

    I want to go to college but didn’t get my high school diploma. How can I get my GED?

    Foster Kids United offers all foster youth nationwide the ability to get their GED through our GEDWorks program! For more information go to

    Apply for a Student Loan

    Apply for a Student Loan

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    Student loans in the USA offer financial support to help cover the costs of higher education. These loans must be repaid after you complete your studies.

    Good news! You might also qualify for a grant. When you apply for a student loan, your eligibility for grants is automatically assessed, and if you qualify, you’ll receive the grant along with your student loan.

    Do I qualify for a student loan?

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    Your school might qualify for grants. If you’re planning to attend a major college, institute, or university, you should be fine. If you’re unsure whether the school you’re attending qualifies, check the list of eligible schools provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

    How do I apply for a loan?

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    Applying for a student loan in the U.S. involves several steps, from gathering necessary documents to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

    Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents

    Before you start your application, make sure you have the following information and documents:

    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Driver’s license or state ID
    • Federal tax returns from the previous year (for both you and your parents if you’re a dependent student)
    • W-2 forms and other records of money earned
    • Bank statements and records of investments
    • Records of untaxed income
    • An FSA ID to sign electronically (you can create this at the FSA ID website)

    Step 2: Create an FSA ID

    • Go to the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website.
    • Create an FSA ID, which consists of a username and password. This ID allows you to sign your FAFSA electronically and access your federal student aid information.

    Step 3: Complete the FAFSA

    1. Visit the FAFSA Website:
    2. Start Your Application:
      • Select “Start A New FAFSA.”
      • Enter your FSA ID to log in.
    3. Fill Out the FAFSA Form:
      • Provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and SSN.
      • List the schools you are interested in attending. You can add up to 10 schools.
      • Answer questions about your dependency status.
      • Provide financial information, including your and your parents’ tax information if applicable. You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import tax information directly.
    4. Sign and Submit:
      • Sign the FAFSA form using your FSA ID.
      • Have a parent sign with their FSA ID if you are a dependent student.
      • Submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email once it’s successfully submitted.

    Step 4: Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

    • After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing the information you provided.
    • Review the SAR carefully to ensure all information is accurate. Make any necessary corrections on the FAFSA website.

    Step 5: Check Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

    • The SAR will include your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This number determines your eligibility for federal student aid.
    • Schools use the EFC to create a financial aid package that may include grants, work-study, and loans.

    Step 6: Apply for Additional Financial Aid (if necessary)

    • Check with the financial aid office at your chosen school for additional forms or applications required for school-specific aid or scholarships.

    Step 7: Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Package

    • Once admitted to a school, you’ll receive a financial aid award letter detailing the aid you are eligible to receive.
    • Review the package carefully. Decide which aid to accept. You are not required to accept all aid offered.

    Step 8: Complete Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN)

    • If you accept federal student loans, you must complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
    • Entrance Counseling: Go to studentaid.gov and complete the counseling session, which ensures you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming.
    • MPN: Sign the MPN on studentaid.gov to agree to the terms of your loans.

    Step 9: Receive Your Funds

    • The school will first apply your loan funds to your tuition, fees, and room and board.
    • Any remaining funds will be disbursed to you for other education-related expenses.

    Step 10: Maintain Eligibility

    • Stay enrolled at least half-time.
    • Make satisfactory academic progress.
    • Renew your FAFSA each year to continue receiving aid.

    By following these steps, you can successfully apply for and receive student loans to help fund your education. Always stay informed about your loan terms and manage your borrowing responsibly.