21.8 Exit Plan Interview
The goal of an exit plan interview is to identify anticipated service needs for older youth who are in the process of transitioning out of foster care. Youth who have a comprehensive transition plan are better equipped to transition successfully from foster care to self-sufficiency. An unintended consequence of not preparing youth to exit from foster care is the youth becoming homeless.
In order to prepare youth for their exit from the foster care system, staff shall complete an exit plan interview.
Exit planning should be viewed as a collaborative effort between the youth, staff and FST members to ensure needed services are in place or the youth is aware of how to access services in their community prior to release. To assist staff and youth in gaining a better understanding of what will be needed by the youth, the Exit Plan Interview form, CS-ILP-7, was developed. This tool is intended to create a dialogue between staff and youth. It can also serves as an attachment for the youth’s case plan providing additional information on current placement, detailed educational information, employment, and support systems.
Case Manager should plan to meet with their youth to complete the Exit Plan Interview:
- At least 6 months prior to the youth leaving custody;
- All youth aged 17; and/or
- Annually for all youth over the age of 18 who remain in foster care.
While the Exit Plan Interview can be used as additional information for the case plan (CS-1), it shall be filed in the Chafee section of the case record.
Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)
CD04-15, CD04-56, CD04-79; CD05-02; CD05-72