Festive Blues : Ageing Out of Foster Care During the Holiday's

As many of us look forward to seeing loved ones from across the country, the

same cannot be said for foster care youth; particularly young people who have

aged out of the system. An emotionally taxing time of the year is compounded

with a lonesome feeling, making it seem like it is you against the world. Ageing

out brings unanticipated challenges, making a perilous transition into adult life

a more demanding one. Following in the footsteps of the California Extended

Foster Care Program, Idaho lawmakers signed a bill that mirrors that of California.

Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) was signed into law on September, 30, 2012, allowing eligible youth in the child welfare and probation systems to remain in foster until 21 in Southern California. With the aid of Living Advantage Inc, Karen Bass could sign the bill into law, extending services to foster youth until the age of 21.

Idaho lawmakers passed a bill that extends support for foster care youth from

age 18-21. A much need step in right direction, with youth leaving the foster

care system finding it difficult to find jobs and careers after ageing out. A recent

study found that “only 1 out of every 2 foster kids who age out of the system

will have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24”. Moreover, “after reaching the age of 18, 20% of the children who were in foster care will

become instantly homeless”. These sobering facts make it all the more

important for foster youth to be aided during transitioning from foster care into

adulthood.

The holiday's hold a special place in all our hearts. Filled with gift

unwrapping, family members reminiscing of previous Christmases, to

young kids leaving Santa a glass of milk and cookies as he delivers presents

to children who’ve made it on the good list. These are sentiments which make

the holiday's the most heartwarming period of the year. But foster youth don't

have that luxury, especially when ageing out of a system designed to keep

them safe from the perils of adulthood. As the curtain falls on what’s been an

unprecedented year. With the uncertainty of coronavirus, rising inflation, the

challenging of women’s reproductive rights, 2021 will go down as one of the

most unpredictable years in recent memory. So, as we look to 2022 with a

glimmer of hope, spare a thought or prayer for foster-youth kids who’ve been

stripped of their optimism and social assurance during this arduous year.