Holiday holds different meaning for foster youth

Holiday holds different meaning for foster youth

Independence is a recurring theme throughout our lives, beginning with our very first steps. We celebrate our 18{+t}{+h} birthdays amidst plans for high school graduation, college enrollment, military enlistment or employment. These and other important life choices are made with the support and guidance of loving families.

Not so for Suzi. At 18, she was escorted to the door of a foster care facility, suddenly homeless. Sadly, Suzi had "aged out" of the foster care system, a harsh reality facing foster youth who are not adopted before their 18th birthdays. The traumatized teens, victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment, are handed notebooks containing their important personal papers and sent into the world ill-equipped, frightened and vulnerable. Carli, also among about 800 youth who age out of Florida's foster care system each year, says "It's like becoming an instant adult - I felt so alone."

Note: Yes, Foster Care Providers are such good caring people when the money is cut off.