400K+
Youth in foster care in the US
Foster & Adoptive Youth Resources — Pamoja Holistic Health
New resource hub
Your Health. Your Story. Your Strength.
Resources built for and with foster and adoptive youth
Navigating health as a foster or adoptive youth comes with unique challenges — from understanding your medical history to building trust and finding your identity. This space is yours.
Why this matters
Health resources designed for your experience
Foster and adoptive youth are often left out of mainstream wellness conversations. Your health history may be incomplete. Your experiences may be complex. Your needs are real — and you deserve resources that see you fully.
2x
More likely to experience mental health challenges
You
Are not a statistic. You are a whole person.
Explore resources
Find support for every part of your journey
Understanding Your Health History
Guidance on accessing and understanding your medical records, advocating for your health needs, and building a care team you trust.
Mental Health & Healing
Resources on therapy, mindfulness, and emotional wellness tailored to the experiences of youth in foster and adoptive care.
Nutrition & Body Confidence
Learn about nourishing your body, building healthy habits, and developing a positive relationship with food and movement.
Life Skills & Independence
Practical tips and tools for budgeting, self-care, and building the everyday skills you need to thrive on your own.
- Download: Self-Care Assessment Tool (PDF)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Youth Financial Education
- MyMoney.gov — Free Budgeting & Money Management Tools
- Budget Bytes — Affordable Meal Planning on a Tight Budget
- 211.org — Find Local Utility, Housing & Food Assistance
- Bedsider — Free & Low-Cost Health Care Finder
You are not alone
Voices from the community
“Having a place that actually understands what it's like to not know your own health history — that means everything.”
“I wish I had these resources when I was aging out. I had no idea how to navigate insurance or find a therapist.”
“This feels like it was made for me, not just about me.”
Life skills spotlight
Getting ready for independence
Managing Health Insurance
Understanding your coverage, finding providers, and navigating claims.
Finding a Therapist
How to search for a therapist, what to expect, and how to advocate for yourself.
Cooking for Yourself
Simple, affordable recipes and meal planning basics for independent living.
Understanding Your Rights
Know your rights as a youth in care and as a young adult aging out — state by state.
Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Programs
TAY programs serve youth ages 16–25 aging out of foster care. Find housing, mental health, job training, and life skills support in your state.
- Illinois — DCFS Brighter Futures / Independence
- Oregon — Foster Care Transition Services (ODHS)
- Virginia — Services for Youth & Young Adults (DSS)
- Texas — DFPS Youth & Young Adults Services
- Florida — Independent Living Program (DCF)
- Michigan — Foster Youth in Transition (FYIT)
- Washington State — Youth & Young Adult Housing (DCYF)
- Minnesota — DHS Foster Care Services
- Missouri — Children's Division Foster Care
- Download: Fact Sheet for Youth Formerly in Foster Care (PDF)
- Download: TAY Fact Sheet (PDF)
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're looking for specific resources, want to share your story, or just need someone to talk to — we're here.