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EMANCIPATION CONFERENCES

Emancipation can be an exhilarating and liberating experience for DCFS’ transitioning youth.

It can also be challenging and frightening, after having lived in and relied upon the child services system for a length of time.

FGDM offers emancipation conferences to prepare transitioning youth (TY) for this big change. They are offered to youth 15 years of age and up. The average meeting is 2-4 hours in length.

An essential part of FGDM’s preparation involves working with the DCFS Transition Coordinator (formally known as the ILP Coordinator) to discuss programs that may be of particular benefit to the TY. The Transition Coordinators also have crucial information about the latest policies, available funding and features of these programs.

Emancipation Conferences feature:

A forum where detailed action plans are created for the youth to achieve their long and short term life goals.
The opportunity for key adults in the youth’s life to commit to supporting the youth in achieving their major goals.
Freedom for the youth to choose who they want present at their meeting.
An offering of a wide range of community and DCFS services which are customized to the youth’s goals and needs.
Support for the youth to take charge of what is included in their plan.

Most TY feel more confident and better prepared for independent living after their emancipation conference. They often get excited about their future possibilities and take quick action to start reaching their goals. They often times no longer feel alone in their journey to independence.

FGDM also offers follow up meetings so that actions completed according to the emancipation plan may be recognized and celebrated, while unrealized parts of the plan may be strengthened or revised.

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Please click on the following link for updates on Independent Living Program and housing community and DCFS resources for TY.