It’s something like 40% of homeless people are former foster children. There is a rampant abuse problem in these communities and once a child turns 18 they age out of the system. If the foster parent doesn’t want to keep them they toss them out with nowhere to go, then what? There is a clear pipeline from foster care to drug addiction and homelessness. Should there be a program with temporary housing , mental and physical healthcare etc set up as a “transitioning system” to support these kids when they age out of the foster care system? If we want to eliminate homelessness this seems to me a good place to start.
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Heritage Builders program is trying to help with that but many states don’t make life skills training mandatory before a youth ages out of the system. Those who are matched with a mentor and complete these classes are showing fantastic promise.
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I agree with you on this. Unfortunately nearly 73% of kids who age out of foster care end up being trafficked. I agree on a transitional living solution, and would add that ideally there would be at least one per state, where these young people would learn necessary life skills and get well equipped for their future. A surprising number of them don’t have a driver’s license or have any idea on how to live independently. I think a 1-3 year program could help them get on track for life, whether it’s transitioning to college, a trade school, or just how to get a job with a career path.