Most eighteen year olds have a network of support to guide them into adulthood. However, most youth who age out of the foster care system find themselves without family, few emotional connections, no financial assistance, and prospects for self-sufficiency are dim at best. Foster youth lack the experience and knowledge to live on their own and are at high risk for dropping out of school, homelessness, unemployment, early parenthood, and crime.
Resources for these youth are inadequate, despite the implementation of the federal Foster Care Independence Act which which was intended to prepare foster children for independent living and expand benefits beyond their eighteenth birthday. Our experience with youth who were once in Casa Pacifica’s care “resurface” as young adults with extensive needs for an informal support network, ongoing preparation for household and financial management, as well as for professional help with both their emotional and physical well being.
With the generous support of a number of donors and private foundations we have taken aggressive steps to support these high risk young people through programs that strengthen educational opportunities, employment, housing options, health care, and personal and community relationships. We are working to help youth enter and remain in college, learn to seek and secure employment, provide stable housing, and encourage youth.
Vicki Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer & Director of Alumni Services
Phone: (805) 445-7826
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
