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Health & Fitness

We Need a Safety Net Before 'Aged Out' Teens Hit the Streets

When they turn 18, many young people are out on the streets.

A recent Channel 10 news spot highlighted the continuing problem of teens ‘Aging out’ of the state supported systems. Unless one has a disability, a person supported by the state, group homes, etc. is no longer eligible for any funds when he/she reaches 18. 

According to the “RI’s Children 2011” report from the Child Welfare League of America (http://www.cwla.org/) 164 children aged out of out-of-home care in 2009 in Rhode Island.

Can you imagine being a high school student with no family, no support, and turning 18 meant no home? I have heard from high school teachers about students who ‘couch surf’ at friends’ homes or even live at the McKinney Shelter. Live at the shelter! … Guess it beats a bench.

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What future do they envision?  Will the cost for their care come back on to the state if they get ill, go to jail?

California’s Orange County has a group called Bear Hugs that provides emancipated teens with a duffel bag filled with toiletries, a flashlight, towels, a blanket, an alarm clock and an inspirational book. Wow, hit the streets with an inspirational book ...

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There has to be something better.

Closer to home, in October, 2010, Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill to help with Massachusetts’ aged out youths.

"Chapter 359 will extend much-needed services for the 500 to 700 youth who age out   of foster care each year in Massachusetts. Studies show that former foster youth experience  many more difficulties than their peers, with higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and teen pregnancy"

Massachusetts state Senator Jennifer Flanagan (D-Worcester/Middlesex) is the bill's sponsor, holds a master's degree in mental health counseling and is the only member of the 200-person Massachusetts legislature who has had direct experience working with youth in residential care. She said of the bill: “The majority of people who endure the process of  aging out of the foster care system experience negative life outcomes. It’s no secret that kids in foster care who have no family to return to or a responsible adult to help them  transition into adulthood face far more challenges. "

These youths certainly will face ‘far more challenges’ — the expense of living and working in Newport, for example. Is there a way to help?  t seems to boggle the most hopeful minds.

A suggestion was even given that the Navy housing to be sold should include at least 20 percent for a socially responsible act, such as a transitional home for 18- to 25-year-olds who are in school and/or working at least part-time with minimum rental fees. You’d think with all the foreclosures around, even banks, who do a lot of great community service, may donate or put up a home at a low cost that a grant or subsidy might acquire. 

There are so many great agencies on this island: Boys and Girls Club, Child & Family, Martin Luther King Center, Salvation Army, Women’s Resource Center, to name a few. Could it be possible that, if there is a joining of forces, high schools, social agencies, police departments, donors, corporations, etc., there COULD be a way to house these youths? The Newport County Co-op Mentor Program consists of many people who would be willing to help.

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