AGE 18: ADULTHOOD STARTS HERE
Keep in mind that at age 18 a lot of legal changes take place. Empower yourself with information! Know what becoming an adult means and what to expect.
Be YHT ready!
AGE 18: Age of majority
Lots of things change when you turn 18. Will you be ready?
Keep in mind that at age 18, legal changes take place starting with your right to vote. The age of majority is when you legally become an adult. The age of majority is 18 in most states.
At the age of majority, young adults are granted the right to:
- marry
- obtain a credit card
- consent to medical treatments
- make living arrangements
- sign contracts
The age of majority impacts YHT because of healthcare privacy laws. You will be asked to consent for your healthcare services and your medical records are private. You must authorize disclosure to your parents or guardians.
Look to your state's bar association and legal advocacy programs for resources specific to your state laws.
The Louisiana State Bar Association Becoming an Adult: Legal Rights in Louisiana website is your key to the right information on Louisiana law. It is a great one-stop-shop for legal info on driving, voting, military service, jury duty, alcohol laws, housing laws, employment laws, and more.
YHT MINI ACTIVITY:
Take a moment to visit the Becoming an Adult webpage. Look at the site until you find something that you did not know about turning 18.
If you want to go the extra mile, share your new knowledge with a friend or mentor.
Moving Toward Independence
Decision Making, Will You Need Help?
If you have a developmental disability you may want help with certain decisions such as how to spend money, where to live, or healthcare. Although making your own decisions is important to your personal well-being, it can be a bit scary at first and it is okay to get help!
Different states have different rules about things like supported decision making and guardianship arrangements. Talking about your support options with legal experts or legal advocacy centers in your state can help you and your family find the best fit for you.
The National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making offers state information on Supported Decision Making Law. In Louisiana resources are available at Disability Rights Louisiana.
Age 18 and Foster Care
The transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency can be challenging for any young person but can be particularly daunting for those who have been living in foster care.
Most young people are not fully prepared for self-sufficiency by age 18 and that is why states offer a variety of programs to support transitioning teens. It is important to take advantage of the supports available to you through your states' Family Service and Community Programs. Services vary state to state so it is important to get information on foster care rules and benefits in your state.
If you live in Louisiana, Youth Links site can link you to services and transition resources available to teens/young adults in or aging out of foster-care. Also check out the foster care resources in the tool section.
After High School - Job training, work, vocational rehab
After High School
What comes after high-school? Whether you want to get a job, look at school options, or volunteer, now is a good time to start thinking it through.
College isn't for everyone. Vocational programs, apprenticeships, the military are all possibilities. Many career paths can lead to a happy life. Your career path should consider your interests and your passion.
If you have a job in mind, talk to your school counselor about the type of training you will need . Also ask about internships to get real world work experience. Internships or summer jobs can help you figure out the types of activities you enjoy doing and help you eliminate things you don't.
Did you know that doing what you love results in overall better mental and physical well-being? So it's worth figuring out what's the right job fit for you!
Technical Colleges
If traditional college isn't a good fit, there are Technical Colleges that have open enrollment. Open enrollment means you don't have to meet special requirements to get in.
Technical colleges offer career training in welding and plumbing, computer technology, highway engineering, and even helicopter pilot certifications.
There are many programs to explore! There might be programs you've never even heard of that could be a perfect fit.
Ask your school counselor for information on the community and vocational-technical colleges in your state.
Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges website has information on a variety of programs offered in Louisiana . Take a few minutes to explore the programs, you might just find something that sparks your interest.
Vocational Rehab Services
If you have a disability, you may be eligible for vocational rehab services. Vocational rehab services help people that have a disability obtain a job.
Vocational rehab services go far beyond routine job training programs. They include things like work evaluations and job readiness services; they can provide assistive technology; job counseling services, as well as medical and therapeutic services.
Ask your school counselor if you qualify for voc rehab services in your state or reach out directly to your state's vocational rehab services program.
For Louisiana teens, click this Louisiana Rehab Services link to see if you are eligible and get ready to explore your employment options!
Check out Will Johnson's video below for job seeker tips!
Transportation
Transportation
Age 18 Web Links
Age 18 Web Links
Do you want a driver’s license in the future? Or are buses and streetcars more your idea of safe travel? Maybe you already drive and this isn't a big deal for you. No matter your situation, transportation should be in your plan. Transportation can be important to your independence.
If you want to learn where to start, the 'My Must Have Papers' worksheet includes info on what is required to get a license in Louisiana. For youth in other states, check your Office of Motor Vehicles website for license requirements.
If you want to drive and need special equipment to do so, it is important to plan early. Assistive devices can be expensive and it may take a while to find a way to pay for it. Louisiana residents can contact Louisiana Rehab Services (LRS), to see if they qualify for financial help.
Planning for your future transportation needs can help smooth the move to adulthood. Have a plan to get where you want to go.
Age 18 Web Links
Age 18 Web Links
Age 18 Web Links
Becoming an Adult: Legal Rights in Louisiana. Louisiana State Bar Association
Louisiana Rehab Services (LRS) Job help - support
Youth Links - Louisiana Teen Foster Care Resource Site
Healthcare.gov - Insurance info - get covered/stay covered
Louisiana Medicaid - see if you may be eligible for Medicaid Insurance