Transitional Housing for Foster Youth | The transitional housing program is a great program that allows foster children who have aged out of foster care to still get some extra help. Transitional housing is the bridge for many children from adolescence to adulthood. Many children are not properly equipped to become a successful citizen. They lack the education, job skills, experience and/or money to provide a stable home. Former foster youth enroll in the transitional housing program for a variety of reasons – Here are some of the most common:
Unstable Childhood
Many children spend their childhood jumping from foster family to their birth family and back to foster family again. It is a rocky road for many of these children. With the instability, it is very hard for them to learn what they need to successfully transition to adulthood. It is possible that they may not have finished high school or may not have enough money to pay for a place to live. When these children turn 18 they have aged out of the foster care program. Transitional housing for foster youth helps them with the transition from adolescent to adult.
Entered Foster Care Later In Childhood
Another reason that children join THP is because they were placed into foster care as an older child. Often this means that they grew up most of their childhood in a less than adequate home. Their parents may have been abusive or neglectful. By the time the parents were found to be unfit the child may be a teenager. At this point the child has missed out on a lot of life lessons that they could have benefited from. Since they have little time to learn from their foster parent they may end up in transitional housing when they turn 18. Transitional housing can then hopefully give these young adults the help they need to provide for themselves.
If you are interested in learning more about THP Plus, contact Children First Foster Family Agency or apply to become a resource parent.
Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.
Author: Children First FFA
Published: June 6, 2019