Aging Out Of Foster Care: An Interview with Dr Ellington - E3

Pathways: Supporting Girls Aging Out of Foster Care
Many are looking for practical ways to help young people with need. Lenora interviews Dr Natalie Ellington Founder & Executive Director, Eileen & Callie’s Place, an organization that supports girls who are aging out of the foster care system and an annual "Celebrate 18" event.   Contact Info:  Email: [email protected] Website: EileenandCalliesPlace.org  
 
They discuss some of the reasons for and struggles that come from foster care.  

• 23,000 age out annually (Nat’l Foster Institute)

What girls face when they age out:

• 24% will graduate high school (Ed Week) 
• 1 in 5 will become homeless (Nat’l Conference of State Legislatures)
• Only ½ will be employed by age of 24 (Annie Casey Foundation)
• 71% will become pregnant by 21 (Nat’l Foster Institute)  
• Many never received counseling until adults 

Extended care available in some states through 21 providing various services  

How does Eileen and Callie's place help them?

• Relationship 
• Mentoring
• Connecting them with resources  
• Celebrate 18: a major annual birthday event which, for some, is the first time a birthday is celebrated.

Each girl/story is different. Listen!  They haven’t been heard; listen to understand.

What do foster kids need most?

• Trusted adult – Social support (family connections)
• Housing; basic needs
• Jobs; internships
• Education
• Medical needs, including mental health

How can others get involved?
Eileenandcalliesplace.org ; In-Kind and capacity building assistance (web site; social media; financial; Celebrate 18)

• Treehouse – volunteer, host an event, advocate 
• Mockingbird Society – foster parents

Supporting a foster child and those who age out can change a life.  It can also be one of the most satisfying ways to bless someone else's life.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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