Fostering Youth Transitions - Duluth Area
Support for youth transitioning from foster care to independence. 
Fostering Youth Transitions - Duluth Area is a free program for youth who have been in care during their teen years for at least 30 days, including foster care, residential treatment programs, group homes or other residential care services.
We focus on personal growth through goal setting, adventure based learning, team building skills and finding ways to increase support networks.
Youth can participate in:
- Independent living skills group training, for ages 16-21
- Transition Planning, for ages 16-21
- Youth Leadership Council, for ages 16-24
Youth can sign up to participate. We also accept voluntary referrals from caseworkers, probation officers, behavioral health counselors, teachers and other caring adults.
Fostering Youth Transitions - Duluth Area group training and one-to-one individualized planning services are offered in Cloquet, Duluth and throughout the Iron Range.
Independent Living Skills Group Training
This group of youth meet weekly to discuss topics such as goal setting, employment, housing options, post-secondary and money management. Youth attending the 18-week program (60 curriculum hours) may be eligible for 0.5 high school credits.
Transition Planning
Individual transition planning services are provided for youth that will age out of care. We provide one-on-one case management services.
Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council is a statewide group of current and former foster youth age. The State Youth Leadership Council focuses on giving youth a voice, changing the system and laws currently in place that affect children and youth in care and their families. The State Youth Leadership Council is broken down into local Youth Leadership Councils around Minnesota, who plan quarterly projects to raise awareness of issues in the foster care system and stand up for youth currently in care. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Council is to be a voice for foster youth, promote and educate about the foster care system and work for positive change.
Youth Leadership Council focuses on:
- Leadership: youth meet bi-weekly to discuss and plan projects and upcoming events related to foster care awareness.
- Giving youth a voice: youth meet with legislators, judges, attorneys and social workers to address the needs and wants of youth in care. Including attending Foster Child and Youth Day on the Hill!
- Community development: youth plan and participate in community events to celebrate foster youth and raise awareness of the foster care system and what life is like as a youth in care. Youth attend community events where they can share what their local Youth Leadership Council is involved in and learn about other organizations within their community.
- Collaboration: youth meet with other Youth Leadership Councils from around the state to discuss and plan ways to make a change in systems and provide greater community awareness.
If you have experience as a foster youth and are interested in leadership opportunities, or would like to join a group, please contact us.
We recommend the following organizations and events for young people with experience in foster care:
Foster Club All-Stars – a national network of young people in foster care
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today – Minnesota Youth Leadership Conference