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Aged-Out Foster Youth in Texas

Aged-Out Problem

Aged-Out Problem

In the state of Texas, youths age out of the foster care system at the age of 18. Roughly 1,200 foster youth age out of foster care each year.

Studies show that aged out foster children are at higher risk for poverty, homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and human trafficking.

Gap between government services offered and aged-out foster youth using these services

Thesis

THESIS

In this paper, I will argue for—

A slight restructure of the foster care program, i.e., an automatic admission into a supervised independent living program once foster youth age out of the system.

ROADMAP

I. Further background on Texas's aged-out foster youth

II. Systemic restructure

III. Implications on Texas's aged-out foster youth

Background

Background

Studies show that 18-21 year old foster youths who aged out of the system had worse outcomes compared to their peers.

Over half (57%) of Texas aged out foster youth were unemployed.

Over a quarter (27%) lacked a high school diploma.

Over a quarter (28%) lacked stable housing

Over a third (37%) became young parents.

Why These Outcomes?

Why?

Aged out foster youth are not utilizing the resources available to them because they are disconnected from these resources and opportunities

Studies show they develop self-sabotaging and dysfunctional strategies to deal with the challenges of adulthood.

- distancing themselves

- engaging in risky activities

- returning to abusive family

- learning to live day by day

Options After Aging Out

Available Programs

Extended Foster Care

  • 18-21
  • attend college/vocational program
  • employment program/job

Independent Supervised Living

  • same requirements as EFC
  • applications process- apartments, homes, dorms
  • monthly stipend for food and phone bills

Trial Independence- leave for a six-month period with the option to return

Systemic Change

Systemic Change

MAIN ARGUMENT-

A slight restructure of the foster care program, i.e., an automatic admission into a supervised independent living program once foster youth age out of the system.

Automatically opt-in unless the youth actively chooses to opt-out

How would this work?

Cont.

Same requirements as currently in place, with the exception of the application process— automatic opt-in v. automatic opt-out

  • 18-21
  • College/vocational/technical program (min of 6 credit hours) OR employment program/job (80 hours/month)
  • House, apartment, dorm
  • Caseworker checking in occasionally, but no 24/7 supervision

Counter Arguments and Implications

Implication

  • Requirements would still make it so a number of aged out foster kids can't be automatically opted-in for SIL

  • Concerns that there may not be sufficient housing to accomodate all aged-out foster youth who would automatically opt-in to SIL

Response and Implications

Response

  • This automatic opt-in is not a perfect solution, but it would account for the children that slip through the cracks (+automatic opt-in is one less barrier, and it could encourage youths to go to college/seek employment)

  • Housing options already exist, but are underutilized. Cost/benefit analysis— benefits of SIL vs. cost of securing more housing.

Benefits of SIL

Benefits

According to the Child Protective Services Foster Care Report:

  • Those required to leave care at age 18 were 2.7 times more likely to become homeless
  • Remaining in care more than doubled the odds that young people would be working or in school at age 19
  • Those remaining in care were twice as likely to have completed at least one year of college by age 21
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