In our previous post, we shared about the frequency of entering care and length of stay foster children endure. Today we want to focus on some of the effects that we are seeing from the long time in care.
Research shows that the longer a child stays in the system, the tougher it is for them when they exit. What we are seeing about children who stay in care until emancipation is not good. Homelessness, crime, substance abuse, early pregnancy, and lack of education/employment are way higher than the general population. (There is, however, some good news for foster youth who remain in care until they are 21; more on that in a later post).
Nearly 80% of foster children require some type of mental health intervention and/or services. Foster children are 5 to 8 times more likely to be on psychotropic medications compared to other children who are Medicaid-eligible. Foster children are also more likely to see therapists or counselors on a regular basis.
Homelessness is a tremendous issue for youth who age out of care. Within 4 years of aging out of care, 50% of former foster youth will experience homelessness. That number drops significantly for those who stay in care until 21, but not all states have extended foster care.
These are some serious problems in foster care. These facts highlight once again how tough it is for these children. They endure a lot of pain during their time in the system. Therapy and medication may help a little but it does not resolve all of their problems. There is still fear of the unknown for these children and youth. They simply do not know what will happen to them. Will they go home? Or move in with a relative? What about adoption? Will they ever find a permanent family or simply age out of care?
We hope these facts are stirring your heart to take action. The more you are aware of what is going on in the lives of these children, the less likely you will be able to ignore it any further. These children need you. They need your love, support, and compassion. Most of all, they need Christ. Be the person that walks a child to Jesus’ loving arms.