The foster care system faces numerous challenges, and so does aging out of the foster care system. There are more than 11,000 kids under the care of the state of Georgia, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each year, more than 500 young adults leave the state’s foster care system and need help transitioning. Statistics also show that one in six will leave without stable housing.
Wellroot Family Services receives thousands of calls each year to help with housing for older foster children. It’s a challenging task, but the local nonprofit is making steps to help. In Decatur, they’ve renovated and expanded transitional housing for young adults who age out of the foster care system. The space, called The Oaks, can house 29 residents and includes a common area where the young adults can learn life skills, receive tutoring and guidance with career development.
Allison Ashe, the CEO and president of Wellroot Family Services, joined Tuesday’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott” to share more about the renovated dwelling and the challenges in finding foster parents for kids as young as 12 and older.
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