Pathways: Supporting Girls Aging Out of Foster Care
Many are looking for practical ways to help young people with need. Lenora interviews Dr Natalie Ellington Founder & Executive Director, Eileen & Callie’s Place, an organization that supports girls who are aging out of the foster care system and an annual "Celebrate 18" event.   Contact Info:  Email: [email protected] Website: EileenandCalliesPlace.org  
 
They discuss some of the reasons for and struggles that come from foster care.  

• 23,000 age out annually (Nat’l Foster Institute)

What girls face when they age out:

• 24% will graduate high school (Ed Week) 
• 1 in 5 will become homeless (Nat’l Conference of State Legislatures)
• Only ½ will be employed by age of 24 (Annie Casey Foundation)
• 71% will become pregnant by 21 (Nat’l Foster Institute)  
• Many never received counseling until adults 

Extended care available in some states through 21 providing various services  

How does Eileen and Callie's place help them?

• Relationship 
• Mentoring
• Connecting them with resources  
• Celebrate 18: a major annual birthday event which, for some, is the first time a birthday is celebrated.

Each girl/story is different. Listen!  They haven’t been heard; listen to understand.

What do foster kids need most?

• Trusted adult – Social support (family connections)
• Housing; basic needs
• Jobs; internships
• Education
• Medical needs, including mental health

How can others get involved?
Eileenandcalliesplace.org ; In-Kind and capacity building assistance (web site; social media; financial; Celebrate 18)

• Treehouse – volunteer, host an event, advocate 
• Mockingbird Society – foster parents

Support Celebrate 18! Rescheduled to November 2020
Held annually for girls turning 18 and aging out of the foster care system that year ·      Provides new clothes, shoes, accessories; makeovers with hairstylists, manicurists and nail technicians. Giveaways including 22” rolling duffel bags and donations from community retailers.On-site service providers, employers, training institutions. Catered dinner, presentation from foster alum sharing with their “18-year old selves”. Birthday gifts and door prizes. The Extended Foster Care program registration opportunity: provides an opportunity for young adults who were a dependent of Washington State at age 18, to voluntarily agree to continue receiving foster care services, including placement services, while working on their goals towards independence. The dependency action will continue if the eligible youth elects to participate in the program on their 18th birthday. Eligible youth who do not elect to participate in the Extended Foster Care program on their 18th birthday will have until their 21st birthday to voluntarily request to participate in the Extended Foster Care program. Eligible youth may enter and exit the program as needed between the ages of 18-21 years old. See independence.wa.gov for services.

Additional note:  A recent Executive Order was signed on June 24 to strengthen the welfare system for America's Children.  To strengthen family resources; support and encourage public and private partnerships; Improve access to adequate resources and equality of treatment and access for all families; improve processes to prevent unnecessary removal. Search on-line for details.

Supporting a foster child and those who age out can change a life.  It can also be one of the most satisfying ways to bless someone else's life.

Lenoradiane.com