The Challenges of Foster Kids after They Turn 18 - 1143 Words

Youth who age out of the foster care system are faced with several challenges. Aging out of foster care refers to children who are discharged from care, namely care that is no longer provided by the government, usually between the ages of 18 and 21. Many of these young adults are forced into independence, with little to no resources helping them assume adult responsibilities. Youth that age out of the foster care system have a higher likelihood of becoming homeless, lack job training skills, and have a higher risk of substance abuse and health problems. Many youth who aged out of foster care report being homeless at some point in time after discharge. Approximately 14% of males and 10% of females report being homeless at least once since their discharge from foster care services (Baugh 2008). Due to limited work histories and/or lackluster job training, many former foster children will face difficulty finding employment. Those who do obtain employment may be forced to work low-payi ng jobs, making them susceptible to exploitation, poverty, and increased difficulty establishing their independence. Foster care youth are a vulnerable group with a high risk for substance use and abuse. Within this population of youth illegal drugs are used because of experimentation and peer pressure, self-medication due to lack of health care, and coping mechanisms for stress. Many youth upon leaving foster care face additional issues in relation to their physical and mental health.Show MoreRelatedCritique of Dave Pelzers Autobiography, The Lost Boy Essay example905 Words   |  4 PagesDaves adolescence, rather than his abusive childhood. It is a moving story, starting out with a brief glimpse into the horrible abuse that he experienced as a child from his mother, and then moving into the difficult trials of being placed in numerous foster homes. The abuse that he went through is tear-jerking. 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