4 Simple Ways to Help Someone Aging Out of Foster Care

Many young people aging out of the foster care system need support. There are a variety of ways that you can help them, and many of these ways are simpler than you might think. Helping a child who is aging out of foster care might not seem like a big deal to you, but it’s important to know that your support can change the life of a young adult transitioning from foster care to being out on their own.

1. Help Them Find A Job And Start Their Career

One of the simplest ways to help anyone aging out of the foster care system is to make sure that they have a way to earn money. Find them a job that fits their skills and where they can earn enough money to provide for themselves. Once they are started with the job, they can start thinking about their career. Help them know that they can dream of big things for their career and either move up at their current job or get a further education that will help them make the advancements they want.

2. Point Them To A Program That Will Help Them

If you aren’t sure what you can do, then you can help an aging-out foster child by pointing them to a transition program made to help them transition from their teens to adulthood. Programs exist to provide them with all the support they need when they are no longer in the care of a foster family. There are good programs all around, and you can find one where you know they will get the help they need.

3. Give Them An Example To Follow

A great way to show support for an aging-out foster child is by leading by example. Show them how to work hard by doing that yourself, and show them how far they can get in life if they make the right choices. Tell stories of your younger years and any struggles you went through to inspire them to keep going. Give them education and career advice by showing them what worked for you and any regrets you have. When you are an example to them, you can help them feel more confident about the first steps they take in their adulthood.

4. Provide Them With Some Financial Support

You don’t have to give them everything that they need, but just a bit of financial support can go a long way for someone aging out of the system. Give groceries to someone just on their own or help them out with their rent. Consider donating used furniture or clothing to those in need. Get involved with an organization that helps those who are newly out of foster care to find out more about all the ways that you can give them your financial support.

When you show support to those aging out of the foster care system, you can know that you are making a big difference in someone’s life. These young people need all the support they can get, and you can make a difference through your example, financially helping them, or by pointing them to a good program. Do what you can for them so that they will have a better start to their adulthood.