It’s My Life was created by, for, and with youth.

It draws on the expertise and insights of youth in foster care, alumni of care, social workers, researchers, and education specialists.

It is designed for child welfare professionals and others responsible for guiding and supporting teens as they prepare for adulthood.

A strengths-based, integrated approach
It’s My Life focuses on seven key elements that determine a young person’s ability to succeed:

• Cultural and personal identity formation
• Community connections and supportive relationships
• Physical and mental health
• Life skills
• Education
• Employment
• Housing

For each of these necessary and related elements, the book offers:

• Ways for young people to be actively involved in their care
• Social work practice guidelines
• Ways for youth, caregivers, communities, and agencies to work together
• Information about policy decisions that affect the lives of young people leaving foster care
• Ways to measure outcomes of transition practice

It’s My Life was published in 2001 by Casey Family Programs. It is currently out of print, but is available for download in two versions: a 99-page book and a 37-page summary of the book.