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After Foster Care, Kids in Dire Straits

College is a rarity and crime is common, new study finds

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff | Suggested by AdaptAndOvercome

Posted Apr 7, 2010 12:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – States cut loose foster kids when they age out of programs at 18, and the abrupt cutoff usually takes a toll on their prospects for success, says a new study. The University of Chicago survey found that by 24, just 6% of former foster kids have a college degree of any kind, more than two-thirds of women have children, and almost 60% of men have been convicted of a crime. And it’s not surprising, say advocates.

“We go from 'you're in foster care, where you may handle $10 a month' to 'you're responsible for everything,’” a nonprofit leader tells NPR. “We need to offer something for these young people other than, 'Here's Option A: Fall off the cliff.’” Still, even enlightened programs like one in Florida have to make do with damaged 18-year-olds. One newly independent young man gets $1,256 a month from the state—but can’t cook a hamburger.

A struggling mother, whose child has been in foster care.
A struggling mother, whose child has been in foster care.   (AP Photo)
A mother who took advantage of a social services program which finds volunteer foster families to care for needy parents' children.
A mother who took advantage of a social services program which finds volunteer foster families to care for needy parents' children.   (AP Photo)
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Those children are our children, the children of society, of the state...We have no business taking them into care and then keeping them until they're in the transition to adulthood, unless we're going to try to do a good job. - Mark Courtney, Partners for Our Children

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
wwwonderer
Apr 7, 2010 8:36 PM CDT
I dated someone who was a foster child.
My friend also married a woman who raised about 4 foster kids in the house.

It was my contention that foster kids will NEVER trust anyone.
ChefDarrell
Apr 7, 2010 7:33 PM CDT
Where are the liberals demanding those of us from families step up and help the foster vets out.
odowd80
Apr 7, 2010 6:14 PM CDT
This is part of the big picture when it comes to abortion. Unwanted children tend to grow up in foster care and go on to become single moms and criminals. Pro-life groups should be supporting young adults leaving foster care, not just fetuses.

 
Florida • study • child welfare • foster care • foster children • age-out • ward of the state

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