Leaving care
What to get sorted before you leave care
The short list, in the order that unblocks the most.
What it is
A checklist of what to secure before or soon after leaving care. Nothing here needs an account and nothing is tracked.
Why it matters
These unlock each other. Doing them roughly in this order saves repeat trips, because several later steps refuse you without an earlier one.
Social Security number, and the card if you need it
Needed to be paid. Knowing the number is often enough.
How to get itHealth cover
Confirm your Medicaid is active and find a doctor before you need one. Cover can continue to 26 for people who were in care at 18.
Health resourcesSomewhere to live, and the name of who to call if that falls through
Save the housing numbers in your phone now, while nothing is wrong. The worst time to look them up is the night you need them.
Housing resourcesMoney coming in, and somewhere for it to land
A bank account with no monthly fee, and a job or benefits application started.
Open an accountThe name of one adult who will pick up the phone
Not a service. A person. A former foster parent, a caseworker, a coach, a mentor from a programme. This is the thing people say later that they wish they had sorted first.
Mentoring resourcesThis is information, not legal or financial advice, and rules and fees change. Bridge explains how to get these things and never holds, uploads or stores a document for you. If you get stuck, dial 211 and a person will help you work out the next step.