E.J. Hughes
Submitted photo
By E.J. Hughes | Child Crisis Arizona
For thousands of young people in Arizona’s foster care system, turning 18 is not a milestone of freedom, it is a sudden plunge into an uncertain world. Without stable housing, reliable income, educational success and most of all, a strong support network, many of these youth face homelessness, unemployment and an uphill battle to build a stable future.
Studies have shown that within two years of aging out, nearly one in five former foster youth experience homelessness. Many struggle to pursue higher education, maintain stable employment or access health care. These are not just sad statistics, they are real challenges that real young people face every day in Arizona.
Luckily, two years ago a new program was put in place to support these young people during this critical transition. The state’s Extended Foster Care Program allows eligible young adults to continue receiving support beyond age 18 and is a vital lifeline that helps bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood.
The Extended Foster Care Program provides a mentor, called a Success Coach, to offer support that many of these youth are missing. Rather than a website or a list of resources, the program pairs each youth with an actual person to meet with them regularly, evaluate their needs and opportunities, and to help them stick to an individualized, successful transition plan of success. The plan may have goals like housing, employment or education, or it may simply be accessing and engaging in behavioral health services.
By extending care beyond 18, through the age of 21, Arizona is giving these young adults a fighting chance to build stability and independence. Studies of this program have shown each additional year a child stays in foster care increases their chances of finishing high school, attending college, being employed and increasing their personal savings. This investment not only benefits the individuals directly but also strengthens our communities by reducing rates of homelessness, incarceration and poverty among former foster youth.
It is crucial that Arizona continues to support and expand this program. Lawmakers, advocates and community members must work together to ensure that every young person who has spent time in the foster system has the resources they need to succeed, not just until they turn 18, but until they are truly prepared for adulthood.
Aging out of foster care should not mean aging into hardship. With continued support, we can empower these young adults to thrive, not just survive.
How can you help organizations like Child Crisis Arizona continue this vital work and provide services to even more youth aging out of foster care? One way is to consider making a Qualified Foster Care Organization Tax Credit gift. QFCO gifts allow Arizona taxpayers to support youth in foster care and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes.
Editor’s note: E.J. Hughes is chief operating officer of Mesa-based Child Crisis Arizona, which serves vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. He lives in Chandler. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
