Cut off and shut out: The reality of Illinois foster youths at 21
BY PAIGE SUTHERLAND
James McIntyre, of Waukegan, was in foster care for 15 years, bouncing from foster homes to group homes until he aged out last April at 21. This past year has been a struggle for him.
“I only have me to rely on,” said McIntyre who lives paycheck to paycheck as a receptionist at a dental office. “If I don’t wake up for work tomorrow, I’ll get fired and then I’m homeless.”
McIntyre grew up in foster care. His parents are the state’s foster care system, and a house filled with 17 other boys was what he called home.
“It’s very discouraging to see that the kids I grew up with are in jail,” he said. “I think to myself — you are going to be next,” said McIntyre who doesn’t want to be another statistic.
In 2011 Illinois had the third largest number per capita of youths aging out of foster care in the country, also referred to as emancipation. Virginia had the highest followed by Washington, D.C. and Maryland. With such poor permanency rates, an average of 21 percent of foster youths in Illinois were forced to transition into adulthood without adequate family or adult support.
For almost 20 years, Illinois has offered services to foster youth until the age of 21. Currently only 15 other states have extended the age from 18 to 21.
Continue reading on the PEP Website
Save The Date: Annual Conference on Child Welfare and Permanency
On Friday, June 7, 2013, Illinois State University (Permanency Enhancement Project) will host The 21st Annual African American Advisory Council Institute in conjunction with the Second Annual Permanency Enhancement Symposium.
The day-long symposium will take place at the Bone Student Center and will include six morning workshops, six afternoon workshops, multicultural vendors, and a student poster session for undergrads and grads.
Keeping our Eyes on the Prize: Effective Recruitment and Supports on the Pathway to Permanency
Friday, June 7, 2013
9am-5pm
ISU Bone Student Center
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
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Morning Plenary
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6 Concurrent morning breakout sessions
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Luncheon and Keynote address
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Afternoon Plenary
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6 Concurrent afternoon breakout sessions
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Student poster session
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Multicultural vendors and artists
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Foster and adoptive parent recruitment booth
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Afternoon cultural presentation
Please stay tuned for more details and registration information.
If you have items to contribute please email our webmaster at webmaster@permanencyenhancementproject.com or use our online form.
Mr. Chris Hamb is the Permanency Enhancement Webmaster. Contact Chris for questions about the website or to post a sumbission.
Dr Doris Houston is the Permanency Enhancement Website Faculty Project Manager. Contact Dr. Houston for Questions about the Illinois Permanency Enhancement Statewide Initiave.
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