The City Wire Special Report: Troubling ‘age out’ realities for foster kids

Editor’s note: The following is part of a series of stories The City Wire will post in 2011 about foster care issues and organizations in the Fort Smith region. At least one story a month will attempt to provide some insight into a state and regional foster care system with realities that range from deeply troubling to wonderfully successful. Following are the previously posted stories in the series.

• Community Connections
• C.A.L.L. Support
• Finding a family

story by Aric Mitchell
[email protected]

The most common risk factors for foster children, who age out of the system without adoptive families, are that they are less likely to be employed and more likely to go to jail, according to Casey Family Program Values Training.

The Casey Family Programs is an independent organization that works to “provide and improve — and ultimately prevent the need for — foster care,” according to the group’s website.

Casey Family Statistics note that more than 270,000 American prisoners were once part of the foster care system, and according to State Independent Living Coordinator Jonathan Dunkley of the Arkansas Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), 22% of the youth, who age out of the program are “homeless from day one.”

POVERTY LEVELS
For Dunkley, these statistics are equally as alarming as the fact that March’s numbers in the River Valley alone reported 844 foster children in need and only 155 qualified homes to serve them. With a shortage at both ends of the system, Dunkley notes that the crisis in foster care is spilling out into the rest of the country.

“Children, who age out, are more likely to have poverty-level incomes. They’re less likely to have health insurance. Many have serious untreated health conditions,” Dunkley said.

While the official “age out” point is 18, young adults, who are in treatment programs or pursuing postsecondary education may continue in the system until the age of 21. Nevertheless, these youth do not have anyone to look to for advice on major life decisions, notes former foster youth Shaden Jedlicka.

“These kids didn’t choose their parents. These are just situations they’ve been placed in. A lot of kids are willing to listen. They may be rebellious at first, but they need mentors and role models and someone who will attend their graduation just like any other child,” Jedlicka told The City Wire in March.

GRADUATION REALITIES
But the likelihood for graduation, according to Dunkley, is low with just 63% attaining a high school education. Of those who complete their secondary education, foster children are 6 times more likely to do so through the GED program, Dunkley said. Part of the blame is that foster children experience 7 or more school changes throughout their educational careers. Only 1.8% complete a college degree.

For Dunkley and Jedlicka, society should do more to support its foster children.

“Children need to establish or re-establish healthy human connections through family, mentors, and/or caregivers. Children need help building skills in life competencies, education, and vocational skills,” Dunkley said before noting that one does not have to be an active foster parent in order to assist.

CASA SUPPORT
His suggestion: “Contact your county office and discuss the other opportunities to volunteer,” Dunkley said. The program is currently in need of volunteer transporters to take foster children to appointments among other transportation needs. There is also a need for assistance with administrative work at all local offices, and the chance to assist with alternate care. One additional way is to become a court appointed special advocate (also known as a CASA volunteer).”

CASA volunteers act as advocates for abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other special settings. CASA volunteers, according to the program literature, can expect to spend approximately 10 hours per month on each appointed case.

To learn more details, contact the Sebastian County DHS office at 782-4555, or visit the location at 616 Garrison Ave.