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Life skills are skills you will need to learn in order to prepare yourself for living on your own.
Emergency and Safety Skills
In the event of a life or death emergency, you should always dial 911
- FDA Kids -- Learn about safety with food, medicine, and animals from the Food and Drug Administration
- Working Safely: Advice For Teens Answers questions about risks, hazards, what jobs teens can't have by law, how many work hours are legal, and rights and responsibilities
- Hurricane Safety: As we all know, Florida has been the target of numerous hurricanes and tropical storms over the past several years. Visit this website to make sure you are prepared for the next storm
Banking & Money Matters
If you have not done so already, you should consider opening a checking and/or savings account. You should open your account at a branch with several locations near you that way you can easily access your money if necessary.
If you are 16 years or older, you should be allowed to open checking and savings accounts after you meet certain criteria. Talk to your service worker about the "removal of disability of non-age of minors to secure depository financial services." s. 743.044
Do you have a clear understanding of how you will pay your bills when you leave foster care? Making sure your bills are paid on time is very important!
- Defaulting on a Loan -- the consequences of default, solutions and options if you loan is currently in default
- The Banking Kids Page Learn how to write a check, balance a checkbook, read and reconcile a bank statement, and use an ATM
Food Management & Safety
- You might find it hard to believe that improper food maintenance can make you sick, but believe it! Visit the US Food and Drug Administration for advice on food preparation and storage.
- SmallStep.gov - learn about living a healthier lifestyle from the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services - you can sign-up for a newsletter too!
Mentors
If you do not have a mentor, you should ask your caseworker about setting you up with someone that you can go to whenever you have questions. In addition to your caseworker, your mentor can help you think through your plans for the future. They will be able to provide insight and help you with your decisions.
- Florida Mentoring Partnership The Florida Mentoring Partnership, in keeping with the state's pledge to America's Promise, helps students excel in school and life by recruiting Floridians to become mentors. This partnership, which began as the Governor's Mentoring Initiative in 1999, promotes collaboration among state agencies, municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals and schools.
Parenting
Parenting is challenging for everyone, especially for young mothers and fathers. Visit Parenting.com for tips on parenting.
- Women, Infants and Children or WIC, is a program that provides supplemental foods for low income mothers or mothers to be and their children. In order to enroll in this program, you will need to provide proof of income. You can contact your local Health Department for more information.
- Help on Teen Parenting is filled with useful resources and tips that will guide you through your journey as a teen parent
- Girl-Mom online education and support for young mothers
Child Care
There are several options for child care. There are child care centers, family child care, in-home caregivers or care provided by friends or relatives. Child Care Aware helps parents locate quality child care. Visit their website for more information and for tools to help in budgeting for the cost of child care.
- The Beehive --
This section of the Beehive's website provides information on everything you need to know about finding quality child care and getting help paying for it. (English, Spanish)
Child Support
When a parent does not provide support for their child, there are legal remedies to require that they help support the child. If you have applied for public assistance, your case will automatically be referred to child support enforcement. Call 800-622-KIDS to see if you have an open child support case or visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website to find the nearest child support office.
Time Management and Organizational Skills
- Student Planners
Student planners and day planners are essential tools for maintaining good grades. Who can afford the occasional bad grade that comes from forgetting a due date? Good organizational skills can make the difference between a so-so grade and a great grade at the end of the school year
- Backward Planning
Complete your assignments on time with backward planning. If you have trouble getting started on a project, try starting at the end for a change. Assignment deadlines make more sense when you look at them from end to start!
- Do You Put Off Your Homework?
All of us procrastinate from time to time. But sometimes, putting things off like homework or research can really hurt is in the long run. Don't listen to the little con man inside your head!
Voting
You are eligible to vote at age 18. Make sure your voice is heard.
Community Involvement
Not only is staying active in your community important, but it can offer a sense of belonging and is a way for you to give back to your community.
- Network for Good You can use their search tool to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and geographic location, or search for an organization by name.
Driver's Education
In Florida, there are a variety of rules for youth and driving. Below you will find helpful links in applying for and attaining your driver's license.
- Car Insurance Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Florida
- Beehive.com This section of the Beehive website provides information on what type of insurance is required, how to read a policy, if you have an accident, if you have been cancelled, and if you think you are being treated unfairly. (English, Spanish)
Foster Club has developed a list of Questions and Answers that you may find helpful. You can look up questions about what to expect from your foster family, questions about school, leaving foster care, health, and even the legal process. Its a great site!
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