PRESS RELEASE: Deer in the Headlights—City Youth Now Helping Youth Age Out of the System
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—May 18, 2010—Over 26,000 youth emancipate or age out of the foster care system nationwide ever year. In California alone, over 5,000 youth prepared to face the future on their own without any support after leaving the foster care system. City Youth Now lends a hand to social workers every year to help their youth transition into adulthood. Recently, a social worker shares her experience about her emancipated youth with CYN:
Last month I dismissed the case of an 18 year old whom I have had on my case load for three years. The youth completed his GED and was moving into a transitional housing facility for former foster youth. The program is 18 months long and provides case management. CYN provided the generous gift of $250 for the youth to purchase household items.
The court hearing lasted about 45 seconds and the youth was deemed to be on his own. As you can imagine, he was a bit of a "deer in headlights." We went to his new apartment with his sister, also a foster care dependent. Together we composed a list of items he needed.
We set off to Target where the minor was able to purchase bedding, a bathroom rug, towels, an iron, sponges, a calendar, Tupperware, and everything else you can imagine.
I just wanted to tell you about this experience because it was really fun for me too!!!! I was able to explain to him the importance of a high thread count in sheets and that he should never comprise when it come to high quality toilet paper. I also pointed out the cost of diapers and let the youth know he could not afford to have children any time soon. The youth had questions like, "What is a down comforter? Why do I need a pasta strainer?" I explained that when you do not have a lot of money, pasta is the way to go. We actually filled up two shopping carts during our spree.
When we returned to the youth's apartment, his sister took out the contact paper and began lining the kitchen cabinets shelves. She washed the new dishes and put items in their proper place. It was clear she was taking a lot of pride helping her sibling move in. I thought this was so fantastic because she was able to see what the options were upon leaving foster care. I find that many of our youth sabotage so much because they are afraid of what the future holds. I think this day gave her a bit of comfort. When we finished, she said, "I think this is what I want when I emancipate."
As a worker, I want to thank you not only for my kids, but for allowing me to feel like I was not just leaving him out to fend for himself. It was a really gratifying experience for all of those involved. I sincerely thank you.
About City Youth Now:
City Youth Now supports youth in the San Francisco foster care and juvenile justice systems by providing funds for services and programs that promote stability and personal growth. www.cityyouthnow.org
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Press Contact:
Elizabeth Fairbanks
Executive Director
City Youth Now
elizabeth@cityyouthnow.org
