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In putting together this discussion guide, we kept coming back to one simple question: Wouldn't it be great if every community ensured that every youth that aged out of foster care had a part-time job and a connection to a caring adult? Those are, by no means, the only types of support that youth leaving foster need, and we suggest other ways you can help below.
But as your community thinks of ways to create opportunities for young people leaving foster care, bear in mind that practical goal. Youth who leave care need safe, stable housing and access to health care. They need education and training opportunities. All of these needs are important.
But making a commitment -- like ensuring that all youth have a job and a personal connection -- will help you plan activities and events that can lead to increased opportunities in these other areas as well.
Transforming the way communities view their commitment and responsibility to these young people is a beginning to creating opportunities that lead to successful outcomes. To help communities discuss the issues facing youth who are leaving care, and the services provided to those youth, here are some suggested questions to begin these important conversations.
DAVID: I never grew up with a mother and father. I had like 30 mothers and fathers. I was nine years old when I went to my first group home. And that's when I really started getting in trouble . . . Home means just my body. I have no home. Home is wherever I'm at, at the moment. This is my home.
DANIELLA: Right now, I'm living out of garbage bags and I don't feel like that's something I should have to do. I shouldn't have to wake up every other week in a new placement. I don't have any of my belonging; they're all at my former placement. I'm a college student and I don't even have my books with me. I've been buying my own diapers, buying my own food, when foster parents are receiving money to do that for me. So instead of allowing me to save, I've been depleting my funds. Veasna can't even come here and visit, and he needs to spend time with his child as well.
RISA: I'm the only one from my whole family who's going to graduate from high school, and not like prison or something. I want to get somewhere, but there are so many obstacles, like I'm lost. Aging out now is scary.
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continue to the DISCUSSION GUIDE on the next page 1 | 2 | 3 |
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FOSTER CARE RESOURCES
AGING OUT on PBS.org
Read foster care stories and watch video clips from the film
Learn more about the film, filmmakers and funders
Explore extensive print and online foster care information for youth and
communities
Order the film
Download a viewer's guide or brief (PDF)
JIM CASEY YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES INITIATIVE
What you can do to help youth transitioning from care
Links to foster
care and youth development organizations
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