Empowering Teens in Foster Care To Reach the American Dream
AGING OUT: AAI EASES THE TRANSITION
WHEN A Teen "AGES OUT" OF FOSTER CARE, SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OCCUR:
- End of Foster Care Placement: The foster care placement officially ends, and the individual is no longer under the legal guardianship of the child welfare system. The transition can feel abrupt and overwhelming. The safety net that once existed is reduced, leaving teens to face adult responsibilities, without the familial guidance that others typically rely on.
- Transition to Adulthood: Aging out marks the young person's transition from the child welfare system into adulthood. While some may still have access to independent living workers who offer limited mentorship, they are expected to take on many additional adult responsibilities. The shift from having more structured care to suddenly needing to more personally navigate housing, education, employment, and life choices can feel isolating and daunting.
- Risk of Homelessness and Addiction: Even with the availability of the above support services, studies show that former foster youth are at a higher risk of homelessness. This can lead to an increased vulnerability to substance abuse and addiction, which sometimes emerges as a coping mechanism for the trauma and instability experienced in the foster care system. Without strong family support systems or consistent mentorship, many former foster youth turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to manage emotional pain. This, in turn, can lead to cycles of addiction, further complicating their ability to secure career readiness.
- Continued Struggle for Stability: Establishing stable and supportive relationships can be especially challenging for individuals aging out of foster care, as they typically lack family connections. Without these bonds, youth become vulnerable to exploitation, including risks of sex trafficking and human trafficking. Predators often target individuals in unstable situations, offering promises of safety, money, or love. The absence of direct mentorship and consistent guidance further increases their susceptibility to traffickers who manipulate these vulnerabilities.
- Logistical Support Services: Housing support, available through programs like Nevada's Extended Foster Care Program, assists in securing stable living arrangements, as well as continued Medicaid coverage until age 26.
- Educational Support Services: Youth transitioning from foster care in Nevada are eligible through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program for limited financial assistance for living expenses, education, and job training. This includes access to Education and Training Vouchers (ETV), which provide some but not all funding needed for post-secondary education or vocational training—up to $5,000 per year. Additionally, foster youth can access tuition waivers for institutions within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), covering the cost of tuition for eligible students. Sadly, only 42% of foster teens graduate high school, and just 2%-4% earn a 4-year college degree despite these opportunities. American Access Institute positions its support to ensure teens across a wide variety of personal circumstances can access the support they require to build a more financially independent future.
At American Access Institute we recognize that trauma may be a theme in many lives, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Teens in foster care face unique challenges due to no fault of their own, and we are committed to helping them overcome the odds as they embark on a heroic journey toward who they are able to become.
Lacking parental support, their need for mentorship is critical so they can secure career readiness. Many of these young people have been forced to navigate tremendous obstacles from abuse to neglect resulting in disrupted education, limited support systems, and mental health challenges.
Our team consists of licensed professionals who know how to help. AAI’s blended learning programs build a foundation of stability, encouragement, and optimism, ensuring that these teens thrive as young adults.
