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Discussions Continue On Extending Foster Care Age
By: Associated Press
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The second of five public forums around Ohio on the issue of whether to extend foster care for young people from the age of 18 to 21 includes state legislators and community leaders.
The forum Wednesday in Cincinnati is focusing on what happens when young people leave foster care and how extending that support might help. Currently, foster care covers youths to age 18.
Federal funding became available to states to expand their foster care services in 2008. Advocates say 26 states and the District of Columbia have since extended their foster care to age 21 or are in the process of doing that.
Advocates say extending care results in improved outcomes, with young people more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college and avoid homelessness.