Young People Who Age Out of Foster Care
Young people who age out of foster care face tough odds. Older youth in foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in this country. They are less likely to reach a permanent home and may languish in the foster care system for years before aging out, which happens at age 21 in Maryland. Suddenly, these young people are expected to make it on their own as independent adults. Some leave foster care and become homeless on day one. Many never graduate from high school. Most are underemployed, and even later, at age 26, they earn less than half what their peers do, on average. This is unacceptable - but we can change it.! Everything is possible when someone cares.
*If you are a CASA of Baltimore County alumni looking for a little extra support, please fill out the following form to see how we might be able to assist:
CASA of Baltimore County is committed to ensuring that all older youth are prepared to have the best possible outcomes. We believe high school graduation, living wage employment, a place to live, and a healthy, thriving adulthood are within reach of every youth aging out of foster care, and we know that a caring, consistent adult can make all the difference. We also know that ALL young adults continue to need support as they navigate independence. Youth who age out of foster care without permanency are no exception. They need someone by their side to offer guidance, help them work through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No one should have to figure it all out on their own. Our Fostering Futures program, led by our Youth Engagement Specialist, strives to provide the support and guidance needed for our young people to be successful after foster care.
Meet Cameron Burrell, our Youth Engagement Specialist (YES)! Cameron provides support and resources to Volunteers who work with older youth; he facilitates our Fostering Futures training program; he engages with older youth directly; and he helps to provide resources and information to our young adults who have already aged-out of care. Cameron also works closely with the DSS Independent Living Coordinator, who provides Independent Living Skills classes and other events and resources for youth ages 14 and up.
