by Karri Pierce

Created on: March 05, 2010   Last Updated: March 09, 2010

Foster Care Emancipation- THE RIDE!

The emancipation of Foster Youth may very well be the newest ride showcased at Disneyland! It's free, a bit too big for a themepark, and way too scary if you're not "mature enough" to handle it.

I am a 21 year old emancipated foster youth who moved 27 times, and attended 18 different schools. I am currently in the computer lab of my transitional living home typing yet another blog. Transitional living is a place for emancipated foster youth to go when they have no family or financial support of their own to rely on. For example- in the foster care system- when you turn 18 years old, you have exactly 3 days to find somewhere to live, to pack your belongings, and leave your home. You are FORCED out into the world on your own. Now can you honestly say that you were ready to leave your mom and dad at the age of 18 and become fully independent? First of all- what are the hardships of doing that- well, you have to find somewhere to sleep that night, you have to find a job that will not only pay your rent, but your bills too (water, gas, trash, electricity, phone, car insurance, etc.) If you have your own car already- you're way ahead of the game, but in foster care- you're not even allowed to obtain a driver's permit until you are 18 years old. Beginning to see how unfortunate all this is yet? So tell me this- how can an 18 year old- take their driver's test to get a license, buy a car ($7000), get an apartment ($550 shared), pay for auto insurance ($400), pay the first month's utilities ($100 shared), pay for food ($30), pay for their own cell phone ($50-100) and find a job, no a CAREER, all in the space of ONE day after they're out on their own?! Who are you freakin kidding, county service! THAT'S why so many emancipated foster youths turn to drugs and alcohol- they get so overwhelmed, it becomes depressing! We feel that as soon as we turn 18 years old, we are now free to do whatever we want, and not have to worry about worry-some or completely strict and restrictive foster parents and social workers influencing our decisions. We feel as if we didn't get the opportunity to live out our childhood, teenage years, or adolescence years and hope to be able to do so now, but alas- we're struck own with the biggest bolt of responsibility and believe me- it's electrifying.

So I sought help. There was absolutely NO WAY my twin sister and I were going to be homeless or depressed. Not after so many articles in magazines, newsletters, and

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