Teenagers in foster care face unique challenges as they approach the age of emancipation, which is the age at which they are legally considered adults and are no longer in the custody of the state. At this point they typically lose all of the benefits that were provided by foster care, including housing. Some of the challenges include:

• Lack of Support: Many teens in foster care have never had a stable or nurturing family environment, which can make it difficult for them to develop the skills and relationships they need to succeed as independent adults.
• Lack of Permanent Connections: Teens in foster care may lack permanent connections to adults who can provide them with emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance as they transition to adulthood.
• Difficulty with independent living skills: Teens in foster care may have had little or no practice with independent living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and managing their own healthcare.
• Education and Employment: Teenagers in foster care may face challenges when trying to finish their education and secure employment due to disruptions and changes in their schooling and lack of consistent family support.
• Mental and Physical Health: Teens in foster care may have higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can make it difficult for them to succeed as independent adults. They may also have unaddressed physical health needs.
• Legal Issues: Teens in foster care may struggle with understanding the legal system, particularly when it comes to issues like accessing their birth records, obtaining identification documents, and navigating the process of emancipation.

Due to all these challenges, it is important that they are provided with a support system that can help them make a successful transition to adulthood, such as counseling and therapy, career guidance, independent living programs, and mentoring.

While teenagers are in foster care, they also face extraordinary challenges. These can include difficulty forming attachments with foster parents and other caregivers, emotional and behavioral difficulties related to the trauma of being removed from their birth families, and struggles with identity and self-esteem. They also face challenges in school and with transitioning to adulthood, including finding stable housing, completing their education, and obtaining employment.

Additionally, teens in foster care often have a harder time building and maintaining relationships. This can be due to trust issues stemming from their experiences of abuse and neglect, as well as the instability and lack of permanency in their living situations. Studies also show that teens in foster care are at a higher risk of mental health issues, substance abuse and are at risk of becoming homeless.

It’s important to note that each teenager may face different challenges, and may require different support to overcome those. That is where Techie Youth steps in; we provide each youth with individualized attention and opportunity. Many of them tell us that Techie Youth was the first time in their life that anyone cared whether they succeed or not.