What We Do :: Programs :: Youth in Foster Care
Youth in Foster Care
As one of the 2,300 youth who are in foster care in Cuyahoga County, most only hear about how different they are from those kids who aren't foster kids. The community is usually aware of some of the probable outcomes youth in foster care experience:
- Youth who age out of the public care system are at a high risk for teen pregnancy;
- Children who age out of the public child care system are more likely than those in the general population to become involve in the juvenile justice system;
- The graduation rate of children who age out of care is lower than their peers who did not age out;
- Young people who age out of the foster care system are more likely to experience;
- Homelessness
- Substance Abuse
- Physical health problems
- Diagnosed emotion disturbances
- Work at low-wage entry level jobs
These probable outcomes are wake-up calls to the community to passionately work towards all children having a permanent family. As a child who is or was in care, the above information contributes to a number of feelings that amount to hopelessness.
Over the years, youth in care have gained a voice in their futures to reverse those feelings. There are resources for youth in care to help shout out their needs and not feel alone. Check these out:
- www.fosterclub.org: Learn about;
- All the famous people who were in care and made a difference
- What your rights and responsibilities are as a child in care
- Opportunities and Contests as a child in care
Adoption Network Cleveland offers support to youth in care in Cuyahoga County through these programs;
- Family Ties - A three-week series that offers teens in foster care and their caregivers opportunities to discuss issues of grief/loss, separation, identity, and preparation for adoption.
- Get Real – Monthly gatherings for teens 13 -17 who are in foster care. Planned and facilitated by young adults who grew up in foster care, this forum provides teens with a safe and casual environment to share, get support, and “normalize” their experiences.
Explore the rest of this website for more details about the above programs Adoption Network Cleveland is committed to for youth in care. Contact Adoption Network Cleveland with any questions, or if you are interested in registering for the programs.
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