Older foster teens or foster children that have aged out of the system have a difficult time during the holidays. Some children are left without families to go home to and traditions for the holidays. While some former foster children do reunite with their birth families once they age out of the foster care system most do not have anyone to reunite with for any number of reasons.

A college girl that was once a foster child talks about her lonely times during the holidays. When the college dorm closes for the holidays unlike the other college students, she has no family to go home to. She has no traditions that help celebrate the holidays. These children or young adults are left with no family to make memories with or to spend the holidays with. These children are often forgotten or just ignored once they are no longer in the care of the state.

The CASA Foundation (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is working to help this population of foster care. Children that have a CASA worker receive more guidance, and long term support. Also they have a better go of it than foster children that do not have this resource.

Fred Meyer/Littman Jewelers is working with CASA to help foster children when you purchase a CASA diamond heart pendant necklace a portion of the money will be donated to CASA.

In San Antonio the PALS (Preparation for Adult Living program) of Baptist Child and Family Services is helping foster teens or former foster children that have aged out of the system. They teach these children independent living skills while offering them a support system. They also offer a place for young adults and foster teens to come and celebrate the holidays while making traditions.


ChildNet in South Florida also helps foster teens that have aged out the system with their Transitional Independent Living program. Teens and young adults can receive help in household items, prepaid cell phones, etc to help become independent. They also help give children in foster care Christmas by accepting donations of gifts.


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