Even in boom times, young people who become too old for the foster-care system often struggle to make it on their own, lacking families, job skills or adequate educations. Now, the recession has made the challenges of life after foster care even more formidable, especially for those seeking federal housing vouchers, which are contingent on having an income.
Since the beginning of this year, the city’s Administration for Children’s Services has been providing letters to those about to leave the foster care system, certifying that they are likely to be eligible for public assistance and thus easing the application process when they are ready. Yet, many child-welfare advocates worry that a growing number will still end up homeless.
James J. Golden, the executive director of the Edwin Gould Academy: “They get a lot of resources until they’re 21, and then essentially none. It’s like falling off a cliff for some of them.”
Full Article and Source:
Too Old for Foster Care, and Facing the Recession
Since the beginning of this year, the city’s Administration for Children’s Services has been providing letters to those about to leave the foster care system, certifying that they are likely to be eligible for public assistance and thus easing the application process when they are ready. Yet, many child-welfare advocates worry that a growing number will still end up homeless.
James J. Golden, the executive director of the Edwin Gould Academy: “They get a lot of resources until they’re 21, and then essentially none. It’s like falling off a cliff for some of them.”
Full Article and Source:
Too Old for Foster Care, and Facing the Recession
Why doesn't the foster care system provide education and encouragement sufficient to permit these new adults to be more self-sufficient?
ReplyDeleteI would think children in the foster system would strive harder to put down roots for themselves.
ReplyDeleteExcept those who have been abused.
If the figures are this bad, it's because the system is bad.
Very bad news and these kids who fall through the sinkhole size cracks will grow up to become: _______(fill in the blank)
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of these kids end up homeless on the streets turning to the wrong people to fill in the void for their families finding themselves in trouble with the law and worse?
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Anonmyous 3, those who fell thru the cracks are our future criminals.
ReplyDelete