Transitioning from youth to adulthood is always an adjustment, regardless of childhood experiences or life circumstances. For youth in foster care, this transition is even more challenging. The trauma, instability, frequent relocations and disruptions both in education and relationships mean that many youth in foster care may be unprepared to transition into adulthood. So, what resources are available for teens aging out of foster care?

At KVC West Virginia, we’re committed to providing youth in foster care with the tools and resources they need for adulthood. Take a look at why the transition to adulthood can be uniquely challenging for teens in foster care, and how KVC helps these youth be successful.

Challenges Youth May Face Aging Out of Foster Care

Teens transitioning out of foster care face unique challenges that their peers may not. These challenges can lead to adverse outcomes for these newly minted young adults, who are statistically more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment and emotional struggles. As many as 46% of youth exiting foster care will experience homelessness by the age of 26, as many of them age out without a stable place to live or supportive adults in their lives to help them. Here are some of the challenges youth aging out of foster care face.

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges

There is a certain amount of trauma inherent to experiencing foster care, as youth are removed from their family homes out of necessity for any number of difficult reasons.

Walter Swoope, EDIFY Program Manager

“Youth in foster care often carry the burden of trauma from their past childhood experiences,” said Walter Swoope, KVC West Virginia EDIFY Program Manager. “This can include neglect, abuse or even the instability of moving multiple times.”

These traumas often manifest as depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental and behavioral health challenges. While teens and young adults in general may struggle with mental health, this issue compounds for youth in foster care who lack a support system to help them through it.

“Without mentors or a stable support system, they can feel isolated and overwhelmed by all the responsibilities of adulthood,” says Swoope. “Having someone to turn to for advice or emotional support is crucial during this period.”

Educational Challenges

Youth in foster care tend to fall behind in school due to frequent moves or school changes. The numbers tell the story:

• The average number of placements for a child in foster care in the United States is 8.3.
• As a result of these constant educational shifts for youth in foster care, high school dropout rates are three times higher for youth in foster care compared to other children in low-income situations.
• Fewer than 10% will go on to obtain a post-secondary degree.
• Each time an adolescent changes schools, they can lose 4-6 months of education along with experiencing discontinuity in learning environments, education styles and curriculums.

These challenges only continue after high school. While there are many scholarships and tuition waivers available for youth who have experienced foster care, the complexity of the application process can be daunting for teens and young adults who don’t have someone to guide them through it all.

Financial Challenges

The educational challenges faced by youth in foster care have a domino effect for their future employment and earning potential. Without an educational foundation, they may struggle to find and maintain stable employment due to a lack of work experience, educational credentials and even reliable transportation.

Even for youth exiting foster care with their high school diploma, they often aren’t properly equipped to handle the financial burden of entering adulthood. Youth in foster care typically don’t receive a lot of education when it comes to budgeting and financial planning, making it difficult for them to keep up with basic expenses.

West Virginia Resources for Teens Aging Out of Foster Care

At KVC West Virginia, we prioritize education for children, adolescents and teens in foster care. And that goes beyond academics! Swoope refers to this as “healthy entitlement.” This describes the importance of educating youth in foster care on the resources available through KVC, other programming, and the state of West Virginia.

“Without the proper guidance, they may miss out on critical support that can help ease that transition to adulthood,” says Swoope. “At KVC, we believe that education helps youth in foster care by providing that stability, structure and sense of accomplishment that may be lacking in their lives.”

To break the cycle of disadvantage that youth in foster care may experience, we focus on equipping youth with the skills they need to successfully live independently. Explore resources for teens currently in foster care and teens aging out of foster care below.

Outpatient Mental Health Therapy

KVC West Virginia provides both individual and family outpatient mental health therapy services. We use a trauma-informed approach to help children, adults and families insured by Medicaid. For youth in foster care, these services can help address trauma and emotional challenges as they enter adulthood. Our providers meet clients where they’re most comfortable including at home, in schools, in the community and via telehealth.

“Effective treatment helps youth develop coping strategies, emotional regulation and resilience,” says Swoope. “It’s all essential for helping them navigate the stresses of adulthood.”

Learn more about KVC’s therapy services.

Middle College at Fairmont State University

As an even more in-depth approach to helping youth in foster care find success through a college education, KVC West Virginia has partnered with Fairmont State University, Marion County Schools and the West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition to launch Middle College at Fairmont State University. This program invites youth aged 16+ in West Virginia foster care to live on campus while attending classes. At the end of the program, they will earn their high school diploma and an associate degree. The best part? This program is completely free of cost to participating youth!

Other Resources for Teens Aging Out of Foster Care

KVC West Virginia isn’t the only organization offering programs to help youth transitioning out of foster care! One of the biggest resources available to West Virginia youth is a state program called MODIFY. MODIFY stands for “Mentoring and Oversight for Developing Independence with Foster Youth.” This program is provided by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities and the West Virginia Bureau for Social Services.

MODIFY supports young people aged 18-26 who have experienced foster care. It helps them access education, training, financial support and other needed services so they can live healthy, successful lives. It empowers youth to take charge of their own futures. With vouchers of up to $5,000 per school year, young adults who exited foster care at 18 can cover college or vocational training costs such as:

• Tuition
• Books
• Technology, i.e., a computer
• Housing
• Specialized uniforms or boots
• Transportation
• And other educational expenses.

EDIFY: Academic Support for Elementary and Middle School Students in Foster Care

At KVC West Virginia, we’re excited to launch a brand new program as an early intervention for youth in foster care: EDIFY. Designed for youth in foster care in grades 3-7, EDIFY helps them succeed through mentorship, tutoring and personalized learning plans. These elements will set them up for success in high school and beyond.

What makes this program really unique? EDIFY is spearheaded by college students who were once in foster care themselves!

“It’s giving these young students an opportunity to receive mentorship from former youth in foster care that have experienced the same things that they’re going through now,” says Swoope.

The goal is to intervene in the education of children in foster care earlier on to better prepare them before they reach high school.

Success Story: Former Youth in Foster Care Helps Develop EDIFY

What we love about EDIFY is that young adults who have experienced foster care helped design and implement it. One inspiring example of this is EDIFY’s Lead Success Coach who was formerly a teen in foster care through KVC. Despite multiple placements throughout high school and even living in group facilities, he maintained a 4.5 GPA and scored remarkably high on the ACT and SAT, allowing him to pursue a college education. He is now a sophomore in college with a passion for helping high school students find success like he did! He’s been a crucial part of developing EDIFY.

Get Involved: How You Can Help Youth in Foster Care

There are many pathways for local West Virginia communities to support youth in foster care. Whether through foster parenting, mentoring, involving your church community or making a donation, everyone can make a difference. If you’re interested in helping West Virginia’s youth in finding future success, visit our Get Involved page to learn more!