A workbook series created by Massachusetts Department of Social Services. PAYA can be used by the learner alone, or with an adult. Topic areas and brief assessments match the learning goals and expectations of the Guidebook. The Activity/Resource Workbook contains information and exercises by topic area to help develop or strengthen the skills of the learner.
Available free in five modules:
- Money, Home, and Food Management
- Personal Care, Health, Social Skills, and Safety
- Education, Job Seeking Skills, and Job Maintenance Skills
- Housing, Transportation, Community Resources, Understanding the Law, and Recreation
- Young Parents Guide
Quick Facts
This Curriculum Covers: Workplace Readiness Training, Postsecondary Education Counseling, Instruction in Self-Advocacy
Link to Curriculum: https://www.itsmymove.org/training_resources_lifeskills.php
Contact Info: b4kids@steppingstonesinc.org
Has Been Formally Researched: Yes
Research Summary:
Massachusetts has increasingly focused on the needs of adolescents in care and transitioning from care, and has developed several supports for older foster care youth. For many years, DSS has offered training to its workers, including foster parents and group home staff, on an independent living skills curriculum: Preparing Adolescents for Young Adulthood (PAYA). Use of PAYA modules by adolescents in care is designed to assist them in their preparation for adulthood. Topics include: financial management, health and safety, housing, education and employment, for example. This study describes qualitative data from interviews with participants regarding aspects of the PAYA curriculum that they found effective. The majority of responses from participants were positive.
Collins, M. E., Clay, C. M., & Ward, R. (2007). Leaving care in Massachusetts: Policy and supports to facilitate transition to adulthood.
Price: $0
Payment Type: Free
Released: 2005
Accessible For: Contact curriculum publisher for more information
Connected to Assessment?
May I use your content and lesson plans on the Internet? I am putting together a Life Skills for the Department of Corrections in Colorado. they are on a low budget.
PAYA is a free curriculum. We have listed the contact information for the publisher of the curriculum under the quick facts. If you have questions about using the curriculum we suggest contacting them.