Adulting 101

Colorful paint splash background with text promoting an adult teen support conference.

We are so excited to bring back the Adulting 101 Teen Conference! This 3rd Annual conference is free for teens 14 years and up in the child welfare system, as well as their foster parents, caregivers, and guardian ad litem volunteers.

Adulting 101 Teen Conference is working to connect our teens with the resources and services available to support them as they age through and out of the foster care system. We open the conference to teens starting at age 14 so they feel prepared for life beyond foster care when they turn 18.

Nonprofits and other support agencies from across our community will be present to share information about their support services with teens in attendance and help them begin to create a vision for their future.

Lunch and attendance incentives for teens will be provided. Seats are limited, and registration is required as this event sells out each year. Join us:

Thursday, June 18
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SPC EpiCenter
13805 58th Street N, Clearwater, FL 33760

Interested sponsors and vendors can register via the links above or reach out to our Program Director, Tawnee Walling, at TawneeW@herotoachild.org with questions. Vendor and Sponsor registrations are due no later than May 30, 2026, to guarantee inclusion in all conference materials.

Vendor Registration Form ▸
Become a Sponsor ▸
Sign up to Attend ▸

  • Guardian ad Litem Office, Child Advocate Manager

    “A huge THANK YOU for the conference last night!  It was so well organized and very informative.  I learned so much and feel better equipped to be able to help the teens on my cases.  The two teens I brought LOVED it!  They told me they were nervous at first because they didn't know what to expect, but after being there for a few minutes, everyone made them feel welcome.  They were both so excited about finding resources available for them and told me they realized how many other teens just like them are in the system and how nice it is that so many people want to help them.  They were also very excited about the gift cards, food, and goodies!  Thank you for all of your hard work in putting this together.  I hope you all know the positive impact you made last night.  I had two GALs and another teen there, and they also told me how incredible they thought it was.  Great job and many thanks!”

  • Guardian ad Litem Volunteer

    “It was so informative. My young adult and I got insight into so many programs that can help him transition to adulthood. He commented on how much he enjoyed it and how valuable he found it. I've been so worried about what he will do when he turns 18 and how to find the programs that can help him. Case management is overloaded. I provide continuity and can now assist with creating a plan. This event addressed a serious gap in service information and coordination. So needed and valuable! We will definitely attend next year. This was really beneficial. The gift cards were unexpected but appreciated surprises.”

  • Guardian ad Litem Volunteer

    What did you like the most?

    "The upbeat and welcoming atmosphere for the teens. They felt included and that this was an event to help them. It provided a good overview of many different services available to our teens in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment for them. The variety of organizations all in one place and all shared very helpful information for the teens and the adults in the room- I learned about the FosterPower app, which is an impressive tool."

Graduates wearing caps and gowns standing outdoors with trees in the background.

LB Smith Family Foundation Funding

Youth who are committed to pursuing post-secondary education and have aspirations for future success often require more support than just tuition and fees typically covered by scholarships. The LB Smith Family Foundation "I CAN do it" fund is designed to help overcome the barriers to starting or completing educational dreams. Nominations can be submitted during the nominee's senior year of high school, while they are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, or when they are planning to attend a post-secondary program. This fund is also available to individuals who have aged out and may need additional assistance to finish their education successfully. The funds can be utilized for technology, transportation, course fees, necessary supplies for degree programs, childcare, or other living expenses.

"I Can Do It" Request Form ▸