Help sought for foster kids ‘timing out’ of system
Many foster kids enter adulthood with two strikes against them. They usually have no true family and there is a stigma placed on them.
When they turn 18 and are basically sent out into the world to fend for themselves, the story often ends badly, with many homeless, living a life of drugs and crime, or both.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida, a statewide non-profit organization, is trying to give some of these foster kids a shot at making it by offering them a place to stay while attending college or trade school.
Joanna Lucato, a care manager for CHS, told business owners at the monthly North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders luncheon at Herons Glen that families are desperately needed to take in these young adults trying to buck the odds.
Those odds are staggering. There are 3.3 million reports of violence against children, resulting in more than a quarter-million children placed in the foster care system.
Many get adopted, but 23,439 age out of the system. Of those, one in five will be homeless at age 18 and only half will be employed at age 24, with less than 3 percent earning a college degree. For women, 71 percent will be pregnant by age 21 and one in four will suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.
“There is no group home locally for kids over 18. A shelter is the only option and there is a waiting list,” Lucato said. “They have nowhere to go and become homeless. They end up not going to school and often the police get involved.”
CHS has been in existence since 1902 and was created to help young children, faced with a future of having to fend for themselves, find loving families and their fullest potential. There are 16 offices statewide. The Fort Myers office serves Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Collier and Glades counties.
CHS is looking for host families to open their homes and change the life of young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 with a chance to succeed.
The host families must pass a background check, a home study and be willing to assist a young adult in developing independent living skills.
Also, they must not be biological family members.
“They help foster kids help themselves. They go to school, get a job and provide extended foster care until 21 so they can go to college or a trade school.” Lucato said. “Many foster kids take advantage of this opportunity and become successful.”
For more information about becoming a host family or to donate, call 461-7612 or go to www.chsfl.org