It is becoming that time of year, for young teens embarking on a life of young adulthood. For most young people this is a very exciting time for them, to start a new phase in their lives.

For a foster child, this mostly like is a very tough time for them. They have lived a life in a number of different foster homes, different caseworkers have come and gone. The system has been making decisions for them will be cutting the cord without any support. So, these children are starting the most important part of their life without a support system.

Each year about 20,000 of the nation’s foster children age out of the system.

These children are faced with some much continuing their education, monies for their education, housing, health care, basic needs, a car and so much more. So, many different directions to take in their life, so many choices to make and so totally alone unprepared for what they face.

So, take the time and understand the emotions that your soon to be graduating foster child is feeling. Allow them to grieve and be mad at what will be happening to them soon.

I do not understand why a large amount of foster parents feel that once the foster child has turned 18 years old, that they have done their part. Wait, let explain what I mean. Why can you not continue being a parent to the foster child offering support, guidance, experience of their knowledge, someone just to call home to, help them find resources to achieve their independence, and a place to come home for a visit? I have not had a child to graduate or close to that age, so I have not had the opportunity to do so but I cannot imagine not doing it.

Think about what a comfort it is for anyone to know that they are not alone. Imagine how different your foster child’s life could be if they continued having your support, love, and guidance.


"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Dale Carnegie