For a foster youth who is aging out of the system and needs to create a plan for their first years as an adult, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Living on your own might be exciting, but it is also difficult to make ends meet and navigate the many other challenges that come with this newfound freedom. Using an independent living program in California might be one option to pursue, but going with a transitional housing program, if possible, it is likely to deliver more benefits and a better overall experience. 

There Are Some Similarities

If you are looking at an independent living program in California and comparing that to transitional housing, you are certainly going to see that there are similarities. Of course, the primary similarity is the fact that each of these options can provide a way for young people to secure housing that they may not have had access to otherwise. That is an important benefit for anyone like a former foster youth in a vulnerable position, as avoiding homelessness is critical to keep life on track. So, without a doubt, using one of these programs to get housing is well worth the time and effort. 

Transitional Housing Leads the Way

While getting housing through an independent living program in California is far better than having no housing at all, an independent living program comes up well short of what is offered by transitional housing programs. With independent living, there is no additional support, and the individual is only contacted by a social worker once per month. There is also less money available and the individual has to look for their own housing. 

With a transitional housing program, these issues are avoided, and more benefits are enjoyed. Beyond housing, there is also help from a social worker to build skills like shopping for food, getting into college, finding a job, and more. Mental health and substance abuse support are also available, and two social workers are assigned to each individual. 

If you are eligible for the transitional housing program and interested in learning more, apply now. If you want to become a mentor for the young adults in the THP program, contact Children First Foster Family Agency.

Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.