Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

There is a legal presumption that adults havethe capacity to handle their own affairs. If itappears that a young person will be unableto make important decisions (such as thoseabout education, money management or healthcare) without assistance at the age of 18, alegal guardianship or other alternatives maybe appropriate to consider. (See pages 24 and25 for a discussion of these legal options).Turning 18: The person normally hasmore rights, more risks and more responsibilities.There are six things that change when youth in statecare turn 18:1 The state is no longerresponsible for providingfood, shelter and clothingto youth who wereadjudicated dependent.State assistance might beavailable, but is not guaranteed.2 When they turn 18, young people acquire therights and access to recordsthat their parents or thestate had exercised, including:• the right to be notifiedand consent to evaluations;• the right to invite additionalparticipants to IEPmeetings;• the right to be notifiedand consent to specializededucation and related services.Tips For Helping Youth Prepare For TransitionTalk to young people about their hopes and dreams for adulthood.Help the youth meet adults with disabilities whocan serve as mentors and role models.Work with the youth to learn about his or herdisability, the transition process and self-advocacy.Observe the youth’s skills at socializing, organizing,workplace behaviors and independent living.Assign the youth chores.Give the youth the opportunity to budget and spend money.Role-play situations that the youth might encounter.Help the youth learn to use public transportation.Discuss the youth’s medical and transition needs with his or herphysician.Call the youth’s teachers to request that transitionand financial planning begin as soon as possible.Help the youth plan for future living arrangements by budgetingwith real numbers. (example: build a budget using newspapersto research what jobs pay and the cost of apartments).Take field trips to find prices for the items needed for a home.21