At the age 18, foster kids get the choice to stay with the system or leave. Some kids stay in the foster care system just until they are 18 years old and then leave it thinking they were better off. For the most part they don't last, they get into trouble, and trying to find their way back to a normal life. The other foster youth stay with the system until they are ready to be completely on their own. Some stay for the first couple years of college, to keep the benefits and get help paying for school and finding a job. There have been other youths who stay with it until they are graduated and comfortable living on their own. Should there be a time limit that the foster youth has to make that life changing decision? Just because their being 18 makes them legal doesn't mean they're adults and ready for a life on their own.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Foster Care System: Stay or Leave?
The foster care system is a great way for youth to get benefits and grow up in a somewhat normal life. They get medical, dental, and practically the first year of college paid for if they decide to go. Foster care teaches youth about every day life-laundry, hygiene, cooking, and money. It even helps with learning how to fill out rental forms, helps find youth jobs. When the foster kid decides to leave, they get no more help. They're completely on their own.
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I thought this was pretty interesting and it was something that I did not know happened. I don't think that just because a person turns 18, it makes them an adult. Some people take longer to adjust to adulthood and some people it comes natural. I think that it depends on the parents and how the child was raised to determine whether or not they would be able to live on their own at the age of 18. It also depends on the child as well. I liked this article and its true, you learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeleteI think that it is good to have to choice to stay or leave, but I think the foster children should havethe chance to obtain a job before they go out on the streets.
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