May 26, 2009

HEY Statistics: Education: Statistics about Former Foster Youth

Honoring Emancipated Youth (HEY) states that education is important to former foster youth. However, while a majority of foster youth want to attend college, only a tiny minority earn any type of degree or certificate after high school. The experience of being in foster care, multiple disruptions in placements and relationships and lack of opportunities as a child continue to affect youth after they emancipate. Once emancipated, youth experience hardships that affect their ability to succeed in school, such as lack of affordable housing, difficulty maintaining permanent supportive relationships and obtaining jobs in a rough economy. While many obstacles exist, California currently has several programs that support youth with education and are working diligently towards providing more practical opportunities.