Monday, November 01, 2004
The foster care system....
Okay ... I typically don't state many serious opinions here in my blog (okay ... I'm seriously annoyed with the blogger comments ... but you know what I mean!) But, sit back ... because here I go!!
Now, to set up where this is coming from, I need to tell you that I truly enjoy the television program on WB called 7th Heaven. It's just a cute little show about a cute little family. Often, it's pure fluff. But sometimes they attempt some serious story lines, like they did tonight.
Tonight, 7th Heaven tackled the grossly under-emphasized problem of the foster care system in this country. This is an issue that has bothered me for many years. Now, let me start by saying that I KNOW that there are many, many quality families in this country providing fabulous foster care to children and teens who are in need. In fact, I know several of those families.
But (here comes the soapbox), I have some points for you to ponder. Did you know that in most places across the U.S., there is an age at which a foster child no longer qualifies for services? Usually 18 or 21 years old. Now, that sounds about right ... right? Have you ever stopped to consider what these kids do after they "age out"? Do they have family to support them emotionally and financially through job training or college? Do they have any connection to anyone who can help them find direction for their lives? Many don't. In fact, many end up homeless. I have heard stories about foster children who "age out", and upon blowing out the candles on their 18th birthday cake, they are walked to the door of the foster home where a suitcase is waiting for them. No destination ... but no where to go back to, either. Maybe that's a bit extreme ... but it makes sense. If the remuneration for the parents ends, the foster care will probably end, too. (Side note: how will these kids EVER understand unconditional love??)
Another point to consider. Let's say that you've got a teen who is in foster care and who is a hard worker and conscientious and ethical and motivated, as was the case with the character on 7th Heaven this evening. Let's say that when this child "ages out" of foster care, he or she manages to get a partial scholarship to college, works as many hours at a part time job as possible while attending classes, and so on. There is absolutely NO support for that young adult in this world. None. If the job is cut or cost of living on/off campus increases, he or she is sunk. And I ask you to compare to another foster child who, upon "aging out", either gets pregnant or gets hooked on drugs or gets in trouble with the law or any of a number of potential big problems. There are PLENTY of government and private programs to help him or her. Plenty. It's almost as if the child who IS conscientious and motivated is being punished for those qualities. It's almost as if the second hypothetical young person is being rewarded for their lack of life skills. How sad!!
I won't even get into the racial inequities, the problems with custudy to biological parents vs. bonding with foster families, instances of abuse, etc., etc. I'm sure that I could type ALL night!!
As an infant, I was fortunate enough to be adopted by a wonderful family at the age of 3 days old. But ... if, for some reason, I had lasted "in the system" for more than a few months or a year or so, I would quickly have become categorized as "unadoptable", and possibly bounced from foster home to foster home. I am truly grateful for my situation, and can't understand how our society can not assure all children of the same advantage as they begin this life.
Some related websites, in case you're interested in reading more:
The Orphan Foundation of America
A Social Work article on Foster care to homeless
A story of a local homeless person
An article from an Atlanta newspaper
Comments:
Post a Comment
