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1. Jimmy Carter said: "[W]e have a moral responsibility to prepare young people leaving foster care to become whole adults who can fulfill their potential and build bright and promising futures." Do you agree with this statement? Why is it important for communities and community institutions to assist emancipating youth?
2. Given what you know of your own community, did David, Risa, and Daniella's story surprise you? What were your immediate reactions to the difficulties they faced gaining an education? Getting and keeping a job? Finding someone to turn to for help and advice?
3. Can you think of ways that we can learn from the tragedy of Risa's death and have her memory guide our efforts?
4. How many young people are there in our community who are transitioning from care? And how are they doing?
5. Since the state is the "parent" for these young people until they age out, how can we make sure that youth leaving care get the support they need to become independent? For instance:
How might David's energy and anger been turned into a healthy outlet, like a job training program, that might have given him a better chance at self-sufficiency?
What support might Daniella and her family have received that would have helped her finish school while keeping the family finances in good shape?
During Risa's first months in college, could a caring adult -- a mentor or counselor perhaps -- have helped her cope with the stresses and temptations of college life?
6. Are there examples of help and support that we provide our own children during these difficult years that David, Daniella, and Risa lacked? What might be some ways for communities to provide these supports?
7. Who else do we need to hear from? Youth? Employers? Caseworkers? Policymakers? How can we make sure that everyone is heard and that their recommendations are communicated to those who can make a difference?
8. What are the demographics of youth exiting care in our community? Do the statistics indicate racial disproportionality? If so, how can our communities address the overrepresentation of minority youth in care?
9. What do you know from your experience and from data that works to help youth succeed? What is already provided in your community? What more could be done?
10. How can our community use AGING OUT? Once the broadcast of AGING OUT is over, are there ways to keep the conversation going over time?
continue to TAKING ACTION 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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