Vol. 12, No. 2 • June 2008

Foster Care in North Carolina Is Changing for the Better

by Nancy Carter, ILR, Inc.

Ten Years Ago	Today
Young people wanted to speak to legislators and child welfare administrators about their ideas and what life as a foster youth was really like.	We have direct contact with legislators every year through SaySo’s Page Program and youth speak regularly at conferences and policy committee meetings.
Young people in foster care wanted to have their ideas heard about their plans for their future.	Today they have the right and responsibility to create their own goal plans and they can attend leadership retreats such as SaySo Survivor to empower youths.
Young people wanted direct information about resources, not just what adults told them.	Today SaySo sends information to over 500 members in newsletters, six times a year directly to our youth members AND we have a website with information.
Young people wanted “normal” opportunities to go to school like other kids without being buried in debt and receive support to reach their educational goals.	Today we have ETV, tuition waivers, e-mentors, and now NCREACH that helps adoptees get an education, too.
Young people wanted help to be adopted if that was their choice.	Today we have more teenagers finding permanence through adoption and guardianship than ever before.
Young people asked for continued health care.	Today we have Medicaid eligibility after age 18.
Young people asked for increased opportunities to work and practice life skills so they could be prepared.	Today we have a thriving LINKS program, Real World programs, work experiences are encouraged, and LINK Up conferences lay a foundation for life skills planning.
Young people wanted to support others in care.	SaySo has distributed thousands of suitcases, duffle bags, and hygiene packs and contributed to youth needs not covered in “normal” foster care.
Young people wanted to be part of foster parent training and helping dismiss the idea that teens in care are “bad” kids.	Today many counties involve teens in training, and teens speak at foster parent conferences, participate in radio and TV promotions, and are involved in recruiting foster and adoptive homes for teens.
Over half of young people in foster care did not complete high school.	Today 68% are finishing high school or GED and hundreds are participating in college programs.

Copyright � 2008 Jordan Institute for Families