All members of society should have access to care for their mental health and wellness needs. This is an important part of overall human health, yet it has been marginalized and diminished throughout history – only in recent years is mental health starting to get the attention it deserves. This is a particularly important point for foster youth living in transitional housing in California, as their life experiences are likely such that they need additional support to find a positive mental space. With the right help and the housing provided by this program, young people transitioning from the foster care system to adult life will have a better opportunity to achieve a good outcome in the long run. 

Understanding the Potential Challenges

It’s hard to address the mental health and wellness needs of a young person in foster care without first understanding the basics of what they are likely to be facing. These are young people who have likely gone through some significant trauma in life and now are in a situation where they may not have the kind of support network that most of their peers enjoy. Once you have a clear picture of how difficult this road can be, the value of transitional housing in California becomes obvious. Providing transitional housing offers a form of stability that former foster youth have not experienced much in their lives, and can provide them with a platform that will make it more likely they’ll be able to overcome other hurdles that come along in life. 

More Than Just a Home

Having a place to sleep at night is a great start toward stability and improved mental health, but it’s far from the end of the story. It’s also essential for young people in this situation to get the direct assistance they need to face their issues and find constructive strategies to move forward. That’s again where transitional housing in California comes into the picture – the program doesn’t just offer housing, but it also features other benefits like mental health and substance abuse crisis support and ongoing meetings with social workers. 

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 Foster Family Agency.

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.