Missouri is struggling with trying to get healthcare extend for foster children until the age of 21 (click to read article).

In some states, foster children may remain in care until they turn 20 years old, as long as they attend school. One of the problems is that with some foster parents they do not have the room or they are unwilling to do the care after 18 years old. The reason is when a child turns 18 years old, they are an adult, so they cannot share a room with a child. In some case a foster family will have the child (or I guess in the eyes of some adults) moved when they turn 18 years old even if they are still in high school, it is the sad truth.

Seattle has a program from the University of Washington called Walk-A-Mile. A young women was given the opportunity to talk with state lawmakers about the problems she faced growing up as a ward of the state. This program allows lawmakers the insight of the problems and struggles that face children coming out of the foster care system. It is giving others the insight, to see the young adults (former foster child) that have been fighting the odds since an early age and how they keep fighting for a chance at a real life (without drugs, violence, abuse, etc.). The sad truth is that lawmakers are just now learning what a struggle foster children are faced with. This is a great eye-opening story (click to read the article).

Society and the system must find a way to help these children or young adults that have been rescued by foster care. Just as our own children need help and guidance, so do these children.

“Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing. “
Kim Rohn