Kathy Wilde of the Foster Care Regional Resource Team explained that recruitment of foster parents is the number one job of her team.
The need for more foster parents is obvious from the statistics. In Benzie and Manistee Counties there are 55 children in foster care but only 5 licensed foster homes. In Michigan more that 1,600 youth age out of foster care each year, and the results for these teens are shocking.
For teens who age out--
- 7 out of 10 girls will become pregnant before age 21
- Fewer than 3% will ever earn a college degree; 46% don't even finish high school
- More than 60% of males who age out will be convicted of a crime
- 20% are instantly homeless
- 60% enter the sex industry
- 25% will be incarcerated within 2 years
- 40% become addicted to drugs or alcohol within 5 years
- 1 in 4 will attempt suicide in the first 5 years
In her PowerPoint presentation Kathy outlined ways we could help. This includes everything from spreading the word as to the need for more foster parents to mentoring youth and supporting current foster families. As was evident from Q & A, this was an excellent presentation from a dedicated professional. To view Kathy's recorded presentation, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEuGgzsR6ak