Bill Clinton: “youth aging out of foster care constitute one of our Nation's most vulnerable populations. Not only do these young…”

“youth aging out of foster care constitute one of our Nation's most vulnerable populations. Not only do these young people carry with them histories of child abuse and neglect, but they are also often unsupported in their transition from foster care to independent living. Today, I am pleased to introduce the Focusing Investments and Resources for a Safe Transition Act or FIRST Act, a piece of legislation that will offer much needed financial assistance to young adults as they exit the child welfare system. Research shows that youth aging out of foster care fare worse than their counterparts in the general population on a variety of social, educational, and health indicators. These youth report significantly lower levels of education and are more likely to be unemployed or homeless. Research also shows that, as they prepare to exit foster care, these young adults do not receive the independent living services necessary to support them through their transition. When it comes to guidance on educational opportunities and employment, money management and housing, resources for foster youth are simply inadequate. These young people need our help, and they need it now. According to the most recent Federal data, over 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year. We must intervene in order to prevent them from experiencing the unfavorable outcomes described in the research.”