There are over 2,000 youth ages 16 and over that are receiving foster care services in Kansas! Soon, these youth will be living on their own and making decisions such as where they want to live, whether they want to have children, and if they will use alcohol or drugs.

The mission of the Kansas Independence website is to provide older youth in Kansas who are receiving life skills or independent living services, links to resources for living on their own, a way to connect to other youth, and information about alcohol and drug use to help make good decisions. Currently, the website is under development. The initial funding for the website comes from a grant focusing on the risks youth in foster care experience around drugs and alcohol.

As it develops, this website will have three main components:

Real Stories: Learn about Kansas youth becoming independent by reading stories about older youth that have been in foster care, faced challenges, and used resources to move on their path towards success and independence.

Facts: Have you ever wondered what drinking alcohol would do to your body? Have you ever questioned why a person would have a tough time quitting drugs or alcohol even when they really want to? Find out the facts about these and many other related topics.

Links to Resources: Find information on education, housing, finances and more that will help take steps towards living independently.

Kansas Independence is under development for the foster youth of Kansas.