Baltimore City Department of Social Services

You need to balance your social life and extra curriculars, but education is the important thing. BCDSS Youth Resources

The Ready by 21 Program

If you are in foster care and are 14 years old or older, the Ready by 21 program can help prepare you for independence when you turn twenty one.

Ready by 21 provides assistance with accessing education or training programs; finding and keeping a job; developing a supportive network of family and friends; finding housing; training to manage your own finances; and getting access to healthcare.

Click here for BCDSS Ready By 21 Life Skills Class Registration

 


Here you can find out about:

Education
High school graduation requirements, GED programs, applying to college/trade schools and special programs offering financial aid to foster youth interested in college and other educational programs.

Health & Wellness
Keeping healthy, special youth health issues plus
how to develop an on-going health plan.

 

Employment
Resources and information on careers options, job training, apprenticeships, employment opportunities, work permits, and other youth employment issues.
 

Housing
Different housing/living options for youth in foster care and supports available for former foster youth.

 

Finances
Setting up a savings account, a bank account, managing money, protecting credit, and paying taxes.

 

Youth Advisory Board
A wonderful way to meet other foster youth and a unique opportunity to make sure your voice can be heard by the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library also has resources to help with homework assignments, job searches, housing, health & fitness and so much more! Check it out at: http://www.prattlibrary.org/ for more information and to find the branch closest to you.

Keep in mind...

Your Caseworker. If you can't find the information you need on this website or need help understanding available services, ask your caseworker. Your case worker is essential in helping you prepare for transitions.

Your Attorney. If you are in foster care, you have an attorney. Your attorney (also known as a lawyer) has been assigned to help you through legal situations. You should know your attorney's name and phone number. If you don't have this information, get it from your caseworker.

In Case of Emergency. If you have an emergency, call your caseworker. If you can't reach your caseworker, call your caseworker's supervisor.
If you are ever in immediate physical danger,
call 911.

Video: Reaching For My Stars
Click here to see the video "Reaching for My Stars" starring Baltimore City high school youth in foster care.