Independent Living
Courtney Cerniglia Cerniglia 1
Enc1101: Composition, Professor Hilton
Assignment: Research Paper
11-30-10 Independent Living
Foster care is supervised care for delinquent or neglected children usually in an institution or substitute home. When a youth turns eighteen, he/she “ages out” of foster care. Once that happens, the youth now transitions from foster care to an Independent Living Program. The Independent Living Program is vitally important for the youth because it provides them with the necessary skills to live and survive on their own, gives them the financial help needed, and continues to provide assistance until the youth reaches the age of 21.
Many experts believe that foster care should help benefit youth after they turn eighteen. Author Christine Vestal explains that most youth that are in foster care start their life on their own when they turn eighteen (Vestal 1). Before the youth turns eighteen, a series of trainings have to be completed. These trainings help you with money and household management skills, educational assistance, and finding employment (Independent Living 1). Trainings like these are given to every youth in foster care from age 13-17 years old (Florida Department of Children and Families 1). The youth learns how to cook and clean correctly in these programs. They also learn how to save money and manage a bank account. Some of the trainings are hands on. In the long run, these trainings will effectively prepare youth to transition from foster care to life on their own.
Cerniglia 2
Being in the Independent Living Program, the youth is given financial help. Once the youth reaches the age of eighteen, the youth will receive this financial help. However, not every foster care child will receive this money. Only those who have completed the trainings, have not moved
Enc1101: Composition, Professor Hilton
Assignment: Research Paper
11-30-10 Independent Living
Foster care is supervised care for delinquent or neglected children usually in an institution or substitute home. When a youth turns eighteen, he/she “ages out” of foster care. Once that happens, the youth now transitions from foster care to an Independent Living Program. The Independent Living Program is vitally important for the youth because it provides them with the necessary skills to live and survive on their own, gives them the financial help needed, and continues to provide assistance until the youth reaches the age of 21.
Many experts believe that foster care should help benefit youth after they turn eighteen. Author Christine Vestal explains that most youth that are in foster care start their life on their own when they turn eighteen (Vestal 1). Before the youth turns eighteen, a series of trainings have to be completed. These trainings help you with money and household management skills, educational assistance, and finding employment (Independent Living 1). Trainings like these are given to every youth in foster care from age 13-17 years old (Florida Department of Children and Families 1). The youth learns how to cook and clean correctly in these programs. They also learn how to save money and manage a bank account. Some of the trainings are hands on. In the long run, these trainings will effectively prepare youth to transition from foster care to life on their own.
Cerniglia 2
Being in the Independent Living Program, the youth is given financial help. Once the youth reaches the age of eighteen, the youth will receive this financial help. However, not every foster care child will receive this money. Only those who have completed the trainings, have not moved
Bibliography: Does the Independent Living Program benefit foster children in the long run? Vestal, Christine. “States Trying to Extend Foster-Care Benefits.” Stateline.org. (2007): n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 12 November 2010. “Independent Living.” Childwelfare.gov/…/independent/. Web. 12 November 2010 Florida Department of Children and Families. “ Independent Living Florida.” Florida. Print. Thorn, Reilly. “Transition from Care.” 82.6 (2003): 727-746. Associates Programs Source Plus. Web. 12 November 2010. Tate, Kimberly. Personal interview. 17 November 2010. “Foster Care Independence Act of 1999.” CWLA. 23 November 1999. Web. 12 November 2010. Ellertson, Christine. “When Foster Care Ends.” 28.8 (2002): 24-26. SIRS Research. Web. 12 November 2010.