Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people “age out” of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old, have not experienced consistent nurturing and stability, and still need support and services. Several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth face challenges to making a successful transition to adulthood. As adults, children who spent long periods of time in multiple foster care homes were more likely than other children to drop out of school, be unemployed, become incarcerated, and become young parents.
How do the words identity, mobile, and transient relate to the life or plight of teens in foster care? Do you have similar thoughts when you read the descriptions of family life below?
- Identity = the distinguishing character or personality of an individual
50SkateKid is about the adventure eleven-year-old Logan who, accompanied by his dad, skateboarded in all 50 states. Logan’s parents wanted to encourage “hands on” learning and pursuing one’s passion. Logan spent his sixth-grade year learning about his country, about skateboarding and about putting dreams into action. The ride began in Wilmot Flat, NH, on September 1, 2009, and ended in Washington DC in May 2010.
- Mobile = capable of moving or being moved about readily
The Leonard Family – Scott, Mandi, Griffin, Jake and Luke – will be spending 3 years traveling around the world on their 50 foot sailboat, Three Little Birds. A core purpose of this adventure is exposing the boys to other cultures. Additionally, this trip will provide a real-life example of the ability to run a business from virtually anyplace. During this trip, Scott will continue to run his businesses remotely from the boat and with quarterly trips back to California.
- Transient = passing through or by a place with only a brief stay or sojourn
Nancy Sathre-Vogel is a 21-year classroom veteran who made the decision to leave her teaching career behind to travel the world on a bicycle. Together with her husband John and twin sons, she cycled 27,000 miles throughout the Americas, including traveling from Alaska to Argentina. In 2006/2007 they spent twelve months exploring the USA and Mexico. In 2008 they cycled away from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska en route to Ushuaia, Argentina. It was a journey of 17,300 miles through fifteen countries. The family arrived at the southernmost point of South America on March 21, 2011.
Think Outside The Box
Were you inspired or struck by any creative new ideas to assist the teens in your life? Innovation, flexibility, and action are necessary to improve outcomes for teens that age out of the foster care system. Our Packaged For Success™ Youth Portfolio Development Program provides support, resources, and life skills training but what teens in foster care need most is a loving, supportive, stable family!
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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