Introduction to Transition Planning

Introduction to Transition PlanningYouth & Young Adult OrientationVersion 2.0 11/28/12

Over the next 30-45 minutes, we are going to be talking about what transition planning is and how it can be a help to you. Please feel free to ask questions. The whole point of todays discussion is to empower you in the transition planning process so you can make it work for you.12What is A transition plan?

A transition plan is simply a plan to identify what you will need to learn & the resources you will need to connect with in order to transition into adulthood successfully.

23Why do I need a transition plan?

Moving into adulthood and becoming independent is a huge step and means you will have to take on a lot of responsibility.

A transition plan helps you identify the things you need so that you are able to successfully take on the responsibilities of independence.Extended foster care can help provide a safety net for the time between being a minor and taking on the role of fully independent adult. This safety net can help you build connections and supports to be there when you no longer have an adult or group of people required to make sure your needs are met.

34Do I get to be involved in creating my transition plan?

YES! Its all about you.You need to be the primary creator of your transition plan. It is your future that will be discussed.

45Who will be involved in creating my transition plan?

You Your social worker/ILP/probation officer workerOther support people that you invite, like:Foster parentsNatural and/or surrogate familyMentorTherapist Youth advocate

Some youth & young adults prefer to have this be a one-on-one experience; others like to have several people helping them with the plan.

56Do I have to have other people involved in creating my transition plan?

No. You dont have to have a bunch of people involved in helping you create your transition plan. Other adults will want to review your plan after it is created. They may want to help support you in accomplishing your plan.

67Clear communication is key to the transition planning processThree ways that we interactively communicate:Verbal Communication - What we sayPara-Verbal Communication - How we say itBody Language What our facial expressions, posture and mannerisms are saying

78Tips for better communicationVerbal Be clear and concise avoid ramblingAvoid too much slang or jargon Say things in a respectful way dont make blaming or judgmental statements

Para-Verbal ToneVolumeSpeed

Body Language Facial ExpressionsPosture & GesturesSpace

89How do I effectively work with adults?SHARE INFORMATION You are the expert on you. Be willing, and most of all, be prepared to share information about yourself. The social worker/probation officer may have a file in front of them that has information about your life, but you are so much more than what is in the file. 910ASK QUESTIONS You have a right to have information explained in a way that you can understand. If words or acronyms that you dont understand are used, ask for an explanation. Do not feel rushed or pressured to move on until you have obtained a satisfactory understanding.Be sure to ask clarifying questions to better understand what people may be suggesting or requesting you to do.

11BE WILLING TO LISTEN The adults you are talking to are a part of your team. Part of being a good team player is allowing your teammates to participate. Listen to their input and ask questions if you are not clear about what they are saying. The adults you are working with can often provide valuable insight that will help you avoid mistakes that have lasting negative impacts.

1112IDENTIFY STRENGTHS & CHALLENGES Talk about your strengths! This information is important to focus on when building your transition plan.Share your challenges. This will help the team understand how to best support you and what areas may be the greatest challenge for you.Identifying your strengths and challenges will help identify the supports and resources that will benefit you as an independent adult.

1213PROPOSE SOLUTIONS When challenges are being addressed, it is important to be solution focused so that the team discussion does not get bogged down with what is not working. Propose solutions to the team that will address your needs and concerns.

1314BE PREPARED Do your research! Go into the meeting with a list of points that you want to make, topics you want to discuss, and a list of your strengths and challenges. Have an idea of what supports and services you would like to request and why you feel those services will benefit you. Be sure to write down any questions that you have prior to going to the meeting.

BE SPECIFIC When you are sharing your needs, concerns and desires, be sure to make clear statements that are clear and make the point.

1415What happens if I create a transition plan and then need To change something in the plan?As you begin to work toward your goals, you may find that your initial decision is not the best fit for you, or that a resource that you thought you had is no longer available. If you need to make a change to your transition plan, that is ok.

Contact your social worker or probation officer who is your primary contact person regarding your transition plan. Clearly explain what has changed and why. They will work with you to update your plan and take the necessary steps to move forward.

16What things should I include in a transition plan?

There are several areas that are called domains that will be included in a transition plan. These areas include:Supportive Relationships & Community Connections - Supports that you have in the community to help you when you need it.Employment career planning, job search, etc.Education high school diploma or equivalency and continued education like college or vocational trainingHousing housing options and how to find and maintain housing

1617Whats in a transition plan (cont.)Money Management budgeting, how to manage checking accounts, etc.Transportation sources of transportation and how to access themDaily Living cooking, cleaning, taking care and repairing your clothes, etc.Health, Nutrition & Safety how to make medical appointments, healthy eating, community safety, etc.Legal legal issues that need to be addressedPersonal Documents birth certificate, ID card, social security card, how to register to vote, etc.

1718Questions?