Transitional Home Will Help Those Leaving Foster Care

Sonora, Ca — A transitional home for young adults that are exiting the foster care system should be constructed by next Spring in Tuolumne County.

Child Welfare Services Program Manager Linda Downey says this type of home is needed, due to some unfortunate statistics.

?In Tuolumne County, approximately 17% of our youths who emancipate from foster care are homeless within 12 months,? says Downey. ?Approximately 10% commit law violations as adults, 12% become parents within 24 months of leaving the foster care system, and approximately 21% leave the system without a high school diploma.?

Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, officials are declining to release the address of the new home. It will have five beds and be around 5000 square ft. in size. Funding for the project came from a $1 million California Housing and Community Development Grant.

Downey adds that Tuolumne County has around 80-90 youths in the foster care system at any given time. Individuals between the ages of 18-24 will be eligible for the housing program, and they can remain for 24 months. They will also be taught ways to budget money and receive assistance in searching for jobs.

Written by BJ Hansen