One quarter of former foster youth experience homelessness in the four years after they exit the child welfare system. Youth are suddenly on their own with no supports to help them navigate the rest of their journey into adulthood. Unemployment and difficulty continuing their education are also common problems for former foster youth.
Last month, the American Youth Policy Forum published a policy brief about how to better help transitioning youth. “Creating Access to Opportunities for Youth in Transition from Foster Care” identifies three key areas where youth need support: sustainable social capital (more on what this means below), permanent housing and connections, and opportunities for postsecondary education.
Authors Erin Russ and Garet Fryar spoke with NCFY about their findings and how they might apply to youth-serving organizations working with homeless youth.
[For more of this story go to http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/news/2...ng-youth-foster-care]
Comments (0)