Ashley is a walking example of how extending foster care services could positively impact youth in care. Ashley aged out of Missouri’s foster care system when she was 21, so she can talk explicitly about “…the difference between aging out at 19 and aging out at 21.” Ashley was able to receive all the support she needed while she attended… Read more →
Tag: Former Ward Program
How the System Fails Youth, Part 4: Former Ward Services Too Narrow
Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. Nadia was 12 years old when she was adopted from Russia. At the age of 17, she was removed from her adoptive parents’ home and placed in the foster care system. When Nadia aged out, she was fortunate enough to be approved… Read more →
How the System Fails Youth, Part 3: Too Late to Apply for Former Ward
Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. At the age of 18, Janteice was struggling to support herself, attend school, and work full-time when her case closed without warning. Janteice is now completely on her own and unable to qualify for the Former Ward program because her caseworker did… Read more →
How the System Fails Youth, Part 2: Former Ward Denied Services on a Technicality
Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. Oscar describes himself as the “average teenager.” He is 19 years old and takes college courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. However, Oscar has faced numerous challenges in his life. He was placed in the foster care system when he… Read more →