Topic > Extended Foster Care for Teens

Entry into adulthood is usually characterized by anticipation and excitement for most young people. This is the phase in which the individual begins to explore their individuality and independence; which can be positive or negative. Most young people rely on family and other people to support them during this transition by providing emotional security and guidance. However, support like this is often not available to those who leave the system. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 428,000 children are in foster care and the average length of stay is approximately two years, and that approximately 20,000 or more foster youth are emancipated from the system and lack the means to provide and care for themselves . Those who leave the system run the risk of homelessness, unemployment, uncontrolled mental illness, delinquency, unwanted pregnancies, low educational attainment, etc. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Laws and legislative programs were created to solve this problem. The first step was taken in 1999, the Independent Living Program was created through the Foster Care Independence Act. This amendment increased funding in every state so they can provide services and health care like Medicaid to young people in the system until age of 21. In 2008, the federal Fostering Connection to Success and Increasing Adoption Act was created and its title Schedule IV-E was changed. This gave the state the option to allow the young person to remain in care beyond the age of 18. For example, states that have opted for extended living foster care allow the youth to remain until age 21. This amendment has its own requirements. For example, they must be enrolled in a secondary school or vocational program. So what's the problem? There are 50 states and only 25 states have passed legislative laws to extend foster care beyond 18 years. As a result, young people growing up in foster care without stability, a family to lean on for financial and emotional support will face many obstacles as they navigate different stages of their lives. The extended life foster care program will provide the opportunity for young people to voluntarily agree to remain in care beyond the age of 18. The sole purpose is to provide quality case management services to individual youth who are preparing to age out of care. Furthermore, to promote independence and empower our young people by addressing their needs and ensuring the necessary service is available and accessible through the case management service. The case manager must assist them through various services such as housing, educational counseling services, healthcare, financing, etc. up to the age of 21. The result is that, through the Extended Living program, every young person will have access to acquire the life skills needed to transition from foster care to independent living. Stakeholders are key because they can contribute to the success of the program. The foster care system is a huge entity; therefore, unity is essential and necessary to ensure that the sense of well-being is maintained accordingly. Additionally, the stakeholder can facilitate networking and initiate collaboration with other providers in the community. The most important stakeholder is the government because it is responsible for funding and passing laws that will contribute to the well-being of young people while they are in care. The second group of stakeholders would be agencies, former foster youth, health workers, agencies