LifeSet
Transitioning into Adulthood
Transitioning into adulthood can be filled with uncertainty and obstacles. The challenges can be even greater for youth who have experienced the child welfare system and are reaching adulthood. MACF offers the LifeSet program to help individuals age 17 to 21 prepare for and navigate life as a young adult.
LifeSet, a program of Youth Villages, is an individualized, evidence informed model that pairs a highly-trained specialist with each young person who is reaching or has reached adulthood in foster care to help identify and accomplish goals. They strive to achieve everything from building healthy relationships with family and peers, earning their high school diploma or GED, getting a job, enrolling in college or a technical program, securing stable housing and developing financial literacy skills. Essentially, they receive the assistance and resources to help them bridge from foster care to successful adulthood.
Specialists:
• Meet with the youth weekly or more often if extra support is needed.
• Are available 24/7 by phone or in person.
• Work with the youth to identify goals and are by their side to achieve them step by step.
Giving Youth the Roadmap
MACF partnered with LifeSet in 2020 and began serving youth In the southwest region of our state. We expanded to the Kansas City region in 2022. Special consideration is given to young people who are pregnant or parenting, 17 years old and have experienced multiple placement disruptions, or are 18 and leaving foster care.
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Our specialists are trained intensely on how to work with and for young adults who are striving toward independence. Specialists spend intentional time guiding and supporting them as they work to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
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Participation in the program is voluntary and free for young people. It puts them in the driver’s seat with a specialist by their side to help them achieve successful independence.
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We have served over 140 young adults since starting our partnership with the LifeSet program. In a randomized controlled trial, LifeSet showed positive impacts in many areas of participants’ lives, including reduced homelessness, increased economic wellbeing and better mental health.
What the youth
in LifeSet have
to say...
LifeSet has helped me manage being on my own two feet. It has given me chances to learn more. It has actually spoiled me a bit.
Sophia
Being able to turn my life around and be the person I am now.
Lorenzo
I learned "adulting", figuring out all the adult stuff. Through a little hard work anything is possible.
Robert
After high school figuring out college and independent living is a big deal. LifeSet is teaching me how to balance finances, find somewhere to live and get into college.
Elizabeth
LifeSet is focused on helping you achieve your goals and it is easier to talk to someone when they are focused on helping you.
Melody
I was having a difficult time with school work. I was in a class that was causing me a lot of anxiety. I learned to ask for help. And, will graduate high school this spring.
Issac
When asked “What do you like most about the LifeSet program?”
Having someone who actually listens to me and not push me off.
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It's like a two-way interaction, not a one way.
I have someone who picks up the phone when I call and is there when I need them.
Meeting weekly so I don't have to constantly text for updates.
I like the case workers and all the help they offer. They are very understanding.
They ask questions regarding my future and about who I am and who I want to be.
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It helps for young people who are becoming adults.
It is structured and there are goals. We plan on doing something, and we get it done. Then, we plan the next thing. It is nice and it helps a lot.