Guest Column: Aging Out of Foster Care
As the Development and Marketing Director of The Link, which provides supportive services to formerly homeless youth living at Lincoln Place in Eagan, I am often asked how the residents (18-24) became homeless.
As we know, the reasons are complex. But for one-third of the residents the reason is simple; upon turning 18 years of age, they automatically age out of the foster care system. This means that the youth's foster family no longer receives a stipend for having the foster child live with the family. Without financial support, many of the foster families terminate their support with the foster child. Even if the youth is in high school, the support terminates. The youth has to fend for himself. Often, the school counselor knows who is homeless and contacts Dakota County Social Services which then refers the youth to Lincoln Place.
Note: I know what would make these kids feel better... Some new Socks!
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