When a child does not have a supportive and safe home life, he or she may come into the care of the foster system. This care can last until that child’s 18^th birthday, provided the young person is not reunified with his or her biological family, or adopted by a new family. But what happens when the child turns 18 and ages out of the foster system? Does their need for assistance magically disappear? Of course not – which is why transitional housing for foster youth in Yolo County is such an important program to offer. As a society, we need to support these individuals as they move into adult life, and transitional housing can do just that.

A Place to Start

The list of things that needs to be done once a child ages out of the foster system is a long one. For starters, decisions will need to be made about continuing education after high school. Also, the child is going to need a place to live and a way to support themselves while getting started. In other words, they need to find a job. These things aren’t always easy to accomplish, especially in a world where housing has become more and more expensive. Transitional housing for foster youth in Yolo County can remove one of the biggest barriers to getting started in adult life, and it can help to keep this vulnerable segment of the population off the streets.

Finishing the Job

Foster care is not successful if it simply carries a child to his or her 18^th birthday, only to leave that young person to then fall into a difficult life of homelessness and struggle. Rather, the system should be setting these individuals up for success, so they can pursue their dreams and have opportunities that were missing at a younger age. While it doesn’t solve every issue, transitional housing for foster youth in Yolo County is a huge step in the right direction.

If you are eligible for the transitional housing program and interested in learning more, apply now. If you want to become a mentor for the young adults in the THP program, contact Children First FFA.

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.