Life Skills Resources for Adolescents
Growing up in foster care comes with unique challenges—and unique strengths. As you prepare for adulthood, having the right life skills can make all the difference in creating a future that feels stable, empowered, and your own.
This page is designed especially for youth and young adults and is based on the nationally recognized Casey Life Skills (CLS) framework. Whether you’re planning your next steps in education, housing, work, or daily living, this site can help you build the practical skills needed for independence.
You’ll find tools to assess where you are now, discover your strengths, and create a personalized roadmap for growth. From budgeting and cooking to building healthy relationships and finding a job, everything here is meant to support your goals—and your future.
There’s no judgment here—just guidance, encouragement, and real-world resources made for you. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re with you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
For more information, please feel free to contact Heather Jones or Victoria Peters.
Casey Life Skills
American Indian/Alaska Native Assessment
LGBTQ+
Long Assessment
Parenting Infants
Parenting Young Children
Practitioner's Guide
Resources to Inspire
Short Assessment (Excel)
Short Assessment (PDF)
Standard Assessment
Supplement Support Systems (Excel)
Supplement Support Systems (PDF)
Youth Assessment Level 1
Youth Assessment Level 2
Daily Living & Self Care
Daily Living
Learn to Handle Everyday Tasks Like Cooking, Cleaning, Doing Laundry, and Taking Care of Your Home. These Skills Help You Live independently and confidently.
Vital Documents
Connecticut Department of Social Services - ConneCT: Learn About Available Programs and Check Your Eligibility for Financial, Medical, and SNAP Assistance.
Obtaining Important Federal and State Identification Documents: How to Replace Lost or Stolen Identification Cards such as Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Passports, and more.
Your Important Papers: What to Keep and Where: What's Important, Reasons for Keeping It, and For How Long.
Healthy Meal Planning
Figuring Out Food Labels: Learn What's In Your Food and What You Are Eating kidshealth.org
FoodSubs Cooking Encyclopedia: FoodSubs is a Cooking Encyclopedia that Covers Thousands of Ingredients, Cooking Tools and Suggested Substitutions.
Food Shopping & Meal Planning: Resources for Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping, and Good Budgeting to Eat Healthy.
Smart Snacking: Helpful Strategies to Choose Healthy Snacks.
Home Maintenance
Fast and Efficient Home Cleaning Guide:Learn How to Quickly and Efficiently Keep Your Home Clean!
My First Apartment Checklist: A Comprehensive List of Items You Will Need to Set Up Your First Home.
Internet Safety
10 Safety Tips for Managing Online Risks: Being Kind Online, Privacy, Security, Passwords and More
11 Internet Safety Tips for Your Online Security
Online Privacy and Security | Consumer Advice: Understanding Online Privacy and Safety: How to Protect Your Devices from Hackers and Threats, and How to Avoid Common Online Scams.
Tips for Safe Social Networking for Teens: How to Stay Safe While on Social Media
Self Care
Understand How to Take Care of Your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health. This includes Hygiene, Getting Medical Care, Managing Stress, and Making Healthy Choices.
Mental Health
CT Support Group: Helping Teens and Young Adults in Their Search for Emotional and Mental Health Help to Understand your Options.
Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support: Connect with a Volunteer Crisis Counselor
I'm So Stressed Out! Feeling overwhelmed? Read this Fact Sheet to Learn Whether it’s Stress or Anxiety, and What you Can Do to Cope.
Physical Health
Body Image and Self Esteem: Helping You Understand the Way You Feel About Yourself
Conditions and Diseases: Learn About Health Conditions and Diseases, How They Affect Your Body, and What You Can Do
CT Dental Health Partnership: Healthy Mouth Tips for Adolescents and Young Adults.
How Can I Feel Better: People, Places, and Things that Help.
Medical Self-Advocacy: Becoming Responsible for Your Medical Care is Part of Growing Up. Learn More About What You Need to Know When You Turn 18.
Safety & First Aid for Teens: Learn How to Protect Yourself and Deal with Emergencies
Signs and Symptoms of Illnesses: Information About Common Illnesses and How to Treat Them
Taking Care of Your Skin: Information and Tips About Common Skin Issues Taking Care of Your Teeth To Prevent Cavities and Gum Disease.
Your Changing Body: Basics on Your Changing Body from Head to Toe.
Well Being
14 Mindfulness Exercises for All Ages: Learn Relaxation Techniques and Other Wellness Techniques To Help With Anxiety, Stress, and More.
How Sleep Works and Why Sleep is So Important: Good Sleep is a Vital Part of Your Well-Being and Health
Mindfulness: Learning to Live in the Present
Sexual Health
Get the Facts About Sexual Health: Important Information to Know
HIV and AIDS Support: Ryan White Program: HIV/AIDS Services and Assistance in Your Area
Should I Worry About Getting an STD? Know How to Protect Yourself and Be Safe
Substance Misuse
Drugs: What You Need to Know.
Know Your Vape: Find Help to Decide to Quit and Create a Quit Plan from drugfreect.org
National Smokefree Teen: Become a Smoke Free Teen: Facts and Tips
One Pill Can Kill: The Dangers of Fentanyl and Prescription Drug Misuse, Use of Naloxone, and How to Get Help
Prescription Drug Abuse: Dangers of Misusing Prescriptions Taking Prescription Drug Not Prescribed to You by Your Doctor is Unsafe.
Prescription Medicine Safety: Resources for Teens & Tweens Get the Facts About Substance Misuse from Poe Health
Vape Free CT: If You Want to Quit, Visit vapefreect.org for Tips and Support
Suicide Prevention
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988 24/7
Relationships & Communication
Developing and Sustaining Healthy Relationships with Self and Others, and Cultural Humility.
Relationships
Build Good Relationships (Eng/Sp)
Building and Maintaining Good Relationships
Community Leadership
Friends and Relationships
Relationships
Teen Dating Violence and Support
Dangers of Sexting
IPV Support: Power Control Wheel & Understanding Dating Abuse
Is This Abuse? – Prudence Crandall
Love is Respect
Safety Planning – Prudence Crandall
Safe Place Info
Teen Dating Violence
Warning Signs – Prudence Crandall
Communication
Anger Awareness
Communicating with Family/Friends/School
Communicating Safely Online
Taking Charge of Anger
Money Management
Get the Tools You Need to Budget Your Money and Save for Your Future
Keeping Your Money Safe
Budgeting Basics: Learn How to Budget Successfully.
Identity Theft: Learn the Signs of Identity Theft, How to Best Protect Yourself from Fraud and What to Do if You Become a Victim
Types of Financial Institutions and Services They Offer: Do You Know Which Financial Institution is Best for You or What They Offer?
Understanding Credit
Credit 101: Establishing Good Credit and Responsible Credit Habits
Learn About Credit Before You Decide to Use Credit Instead of Cash
Free Credit Reports: Learn about Credit Reports, and How to Obtain Them for Free!
Learning How to Invest
7 Steps to Investing as a Teenager Add Gain Basic Stock Knowledge, How to Invest as a Young Adult Entrepreneur
Building Wealth: A Roadmap for Students
What is an Asset and Asset Allocation: Concepts all Young Investors Should Know
Understanding Taxes
Keeping Personal Records: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Guide on Important Documents and What to Keep
Understanding Debt: It's Not Free Money! What is Debt? Get Information and Develop a Plan to Get Out of Debt
US Government for Kids: What are Taxes and Why Do I Pay Them?
What Teens Need to Know About Taxes
Housing & Transportation
Housing
Get the Tools You Need to Find and Keep a Safe, Stable Place to Live.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Find Out If You Are Eligible for Help and How to Apply.
Owning Your Home: Responsibilities as a Homeowner: Up-Front Cost, Good Budgeting, and Home Upkeep
Renting: Add A Breakdown of the Renting Process into Easy to Understand Steps.
The Connection: Housing Assistance Support for Young Adults Receive Support and Learn About Housing Options.
What is Renters Insurance and How Does it Work?Your Guide to Housing: Tools and Resources to Make Decisions on Your Housing Journey: Information on Renting, Owning, Quizzes, Getting Help, and More!
Transportation
How to Get Where You Need to Go, Understanding How to Use Public Transit, Drive Safely, or Make Other Travel Plans that Fit Your Budget.
CT DMV Teen Safe Driving Portal: Driving Permit, License information, Safety Tips, and Practice Tests
CT Transit Rideshare Options: Bus and Para-Transport Information and Schedules
How to Obtain a Learners Permit and Driver's License in CT
Metro North Train Schedules: CT Train Schedules, Fares, and Maps
Education & Employment
Set Educational Goals. Explore Career Options, Gain Job Readiness Skills, and Plan for Long-Term Success in School and Work.
For Students
4 Ways to Make Homework Easier: Strategies to Find What Works Best for You.
Adult Student College Prep Checklist Students Over 18: What You Need and Links to Resources for Help.
Federal Student Aid: FAFSA
Managing Stress of College as a Student: Tips for Coping with College-Related Anxiety
Organize, Focus, Get it Done: Tips On How to Get Organized and Get Focused
What are my Options After High School? Multiple Pathways to Success: Learn About Your Options to Help Make Choices for Your Future
Your First Year of College: Helpful Tips to Prepare and Be Successful.
For Job Seekers
Apprenticeship Opportunities for Young Adults with Disabilities: Learn about Apprenticeships as Part of the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work Program
Built With Our Hands: CT Structured Mentoring Program Helping Build Trade Skills, Financial Literacy & Life Skills and Advocacy for Job Placement.
Career One Stop: Get My Future Links to Help Anyone Age 14 to 24 Explore Careers, Learn About and Locate Training or Education Programs, and Conduct a Successful Job Search
CT Community Colleges: Learn About Tuition Programs, Two Year Associates Degrees, Academic Programs, Campus Locations and More
CT Department of Labor Workforce Investment Boards: Youth Employment Program: The Connecticut Youth Employment Program Offers Opportunities for Young People Ages 14-24 Gain Work Experience and Earn Money.
CT Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program: Learn About Apprenticeship Programs in CT and If Your School Participates
CT Technical High Schools: List of CT Technical High Schools, Programs, and Adult Education Opportunities.
Getting Ready For Your Interview: How to Prepare, What to Wear, and Other Helpful Tips
How Do I Prepare For A Job Interview?
How to be Job Ready: Interview Tips for Teens and Young Adults from the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Job Applications: Useful Strategies for Applying to Jobs and Standing Out from The Crowd.
Resume Writing: Learn the Process of Creating a Professional Resume
Sun Scholars: Academic Coaching, Mentorship, and Career Guidance for Foster and Adopted Youth and Young Adults.
What Do You Want to Do For A Living? Search Careers, Industries, and Discover Your Interests.
You're Hired! What You Need to Know As You Prepare to Start Your Job and the Skills You Need to Keep It.
Youth Apprenticeship - Jobs for the Future (JFF) What is Youth Apprenticeship and How to Get Started
Civic Engagement
Being an Active and Responsible Member of Your Community by Participating in Your Right to Vote, Volunteering, Staying Informed About Local and National Issues, and Speaking Up for Causes you Care About.
Contact your Elected Official: A Powerful Way to Use Your Voice
Trying to Find A Cause You Care About? For Young People Who Care About Building a Better World.
Why Is It Important to Register to Vote (and Vote)? Your Voice Matters!
Voter Registration Information: When and How to Register to Vote in CT
Navigating the Child Welfare System
Navigating the Child Welfare System Means Understanding Your Rights, Knowing Who is There to Help You, and Using Available Resources to Make Informed Decisions About Your Life, Safety, and Future.
Your Rights While in DCF Care
DCF Adolescent Bill of Rights: Your Rights While in Foster Care
DCF Child/Sibling Bill of Rights: What to Expect While in Care, Your Rights, and Who to Contact
DCF Office of Multicultural Affairs: DCF Policy, Practice Guides and Links to Services
Legal Rights of Teens - Center for Children's Advocacy
Using Your Voice: A Guide for Youth and Young Adults on Participating in Case Planning What is Case Planning and Why Your Involvement is Important
Grief & Loss
Grief and Loss is a Deep Sadness that Comes after Losing Someone or Something Important. Below are Some Helpful Links and Tools to Support You Through it.
5 Ways to Cope When a Loved One Dies
The Children's Room: Online Resources and Peer Support for Grieving Teens
Tips for Teens Who are Grieving: When Someone Dies, Life Changes
Parenting & Childcare
Whether You Are Expecting, a New Parent, or Need Help Finding Health, Childcare and Educational Resources, Explore Information Here.
Parenting Supports
211 Diaper and Feminine Hygiene Banks: Enter your Zip Code to Locate Diaper Banks
Are You a Pregnant or Parenting Teen? CT In-State Resources Center for Children's Advocacy
Coping with a Crying Baby: Tips from CTDMHAS To Help During Times of Stress
CT Early Childhood Parenting Support: Parenting Support and Resources in Your Community.
Family Enrichment Center | The Hospital of Central Connecticut: Specialized Teen Services and Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
The Family Bridge Program: From Hospital to Home: CT In Home Support Program for New Parents.
Childcare and Early Childhood Education Information and Tips
Connecticut Birth to Three System: Family Resources, Eligibility, and Supports
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood: Do You Need Help Finding or Paying for Child Care? Questions About Child Development or Developmental Delays?
CT Head Start Association: Learn About the Head Start Program and Find a Program in Your Community
Looking Forward
Step into a Positive Future with Confidence. It's Your Space to Explore What's Next and Build the Life You Want.
Life After Graduation: What you should know
Talking To Your Parent or a Trusted Adult: Support and Why It's Important
Unashamed: Services and Support for Current and Transitioning Foster Youth.
Planning My Path: A User-Friendly Toolkit for Young Adults. A Youth and Young Adult Focused Website to Help Plan for Your Future!