Vol. 15, No. 2 • May 2011

On Their Way and OnYourWay.org

To succeed in the adult world, a young person needs marketable skills. Foster youths are no exception. In fact, statistics of youths who have aged out of foster care indicate these young people need marketable skills even more than those who have families as “back up” support. Statistically and financially, it makes sense to invest in building skills in young people today rather than pay for rehabilitating them later as adults.

Here are two resources that will help youths get on their way!

On Their Way
On Their Way is an instructional DVD and guidebook that helps demonstrate to caregivers what they can do on a daily basis to help guide youths (of any age) to plan for their educational and career goals. On Their Way was created by Independent Living Resources with National Institutes for Health funding and foster parents’ input.
The guidebook provides additional information not covered in the DVD such as discussion points for meals, family activities, and advanced understanding of adolescent development. The curriculum takes caregivers through eight topics: education, career interests, decision making, finances, getting help, staying healthy, housing, and staying connected.

On Your Way
These categories also correspond to a free, secure website <www.OnYourWay.org> that offers youths age 13 and older a place to store valuable information and provides self-discovery activities to help youths determine a future path. By using their own password, youths will always be able to obtain their history and other critical documentation required in the adult world.

OnYourWay.org and On Their Way work in tandem, understanding the importance of caregivers’ influence as young people move towards self-sufficiency. Adults are encouraged to help youths work the site and complete their profile before aging out of foster care. Foster parents set the price of On Their Way at $19.95. For more information, call 800/820-0001. To find these products online at www.ilrinc.com search for “150B.”

Copyright � 2011 Jordan Institute for Families