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Foster Care System

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Youth who age out of the foster care system are vulnerable to adversity. Research shows that half of them age out of the system without a high school diploma, employment, or housing security (Stott, 2011). Furthermore, about 25% of young adults have reported substance use and 15% have dependence disorders. The youth population in the American foster care system is five times more likely to be diagnosed with substance abuse disorders than others who are not in the system (Meyers, Kaynak, Clements, Bresani, & White, 2013). According to Garcia and Courtney (2011), 19.2% of youth in the child welfare system met the criteria for substance abuse and dependency. When adolescents are in the foster care system for long periods of time, which is usually …show more content…
This developmental stage helps adolescence prepare for adulthood (Garcia & Courtney, 2011). Furthermore, it is an integral time for the development of intimate relationships and social support systems. This can prove to be challenging for foster youth since they tend to move to different households frequently, which makes them more vulnerable to developing substance abuse issues (Garcia & Courtney, 2011). Youth in the foster care system are more likely to experience child maltreatment since it is a common reason for them to be removed from their homes (Thompson & Hasin, 2011). Moreover, there is a high risk of them continuing to endure child abuse once in the foster care system (Tyler & Melander, 2010). Research shows that experiencing child maltreatment puts youth at a greater risk of developing substance abuse issues (Gabreilli, Jackson, & Brown, 2016). The trauma experienced from previous homes must be recognized and diagnosed in order to lessen the chances, which is not always the case. Another common reason for child removal is parental substance abuse, which makes adolescents more predisposed to developing substance abuse issues (DeGarmo, Reid, Fetrow, Fisher, & Antoine, …show more content…
There are existing Independent Living Programs that were established in federal legislation that help foster youth transition out of the system (Brown & Wilderson, 2010). These programs provide youth with interpersonal skills, housing, and employment assistance. They have proved to be successful. Although, there are still youth that can’t access these programs due to them being at full capacity. Therefore, more programs like these should be more available for all foster care alumni in communities.
What the Affected Population says About the Issues It’s important to hear the stories of young adults who aged out of the system. They give information regarding what needs to improve and change. Furthermore, others get to know more about their personal experiences and what they go through. I interviewed Mary who is a twenty-eight year old I met through my last internship at a substance abuse treatment center. I also watched a documentary about three young adults aging out of the system. These sources gave me more of an understanding of their personal struggles and what the foster care system needs to implement when transitioning young adults out of

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