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AGING OUT is a film about young people like yourselves. It's about the challenges you face and the strength you show on your journey into adulthood. Around the country right now thousands of young people like you are watching AGING OUT. Some of you might see situations with David, Risa, and Daniella that seem familiar. Youth in the foster care system often speak of a system that is always "dogging" them, or setting the bar too low for what is expected of them.
Despite these obstacles, youth are also finding creative ways to take their unique experiences and turn them into positive change. Because you know the system first hand, whether you know it or not, you can be one of the most powerful advocates for yourself and others with similar experiences. You can share your stories -- and your ideas for improving foster care -- with policymakers and the media. You can pass along the knowledge you gained to those who are younger than you. And most of all, you can get together with others, organize your efforts, and speak with one voice about the issues you face.
One of the best ways to do this is to participate in a youth leadership board. There are youth leadership boards all around the country and more are starting all the time. Youth boards can help you realize that you are not alone in your journey into adulthood. And they can help you learn how to be an effective advocate for change. A good place to start is by asking other young people, your foster parent, caseworker, independent living counselor, or a trusted adult if they know about youth leadership boards in your area.
Another great place to look is an exciting web site created just for youth leaving foster care. It's called FYI3.com, which stands for youth who are Informed, Involved, and Independent.
Here are a few moments from the film AGING OUT for you to think about, some questions for you to discuss with your peers and other community members, and finally, some positive steps you can take to help change the foster care system and create new opportunities for yourself and others.
DANIELLA: This is the first time ever being in a family setting in four years. So, now, coming into another family is not easy. Walking out that door is still very appealing to me right now, because deep down I'm just unhappy with the fact that I'm living in a foster home instead of being where I really want to be and where I need to be. Every night I think maybe I should just go out on my own. But I stay because I know that it's best financially. But I want to go because of so many concrete reasons that it's a daily struggle.
RISA: I'm not sure how many siblings I have. I think there are 12. My older brothers were all in gangs, because that was the only family that they knew. So I tried to do the most I can, so I won't be like them.
DAVID: I'm an 18-year-old minor. [Laughs] 18-year-old minor -- that doesn't fit, but it's the truth. I am an 18-year-old minor with no rights. No freedom. I've been living in institutions my whole life.
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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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