DES MOINES, Iowa – Finding a forever home is a goal for all children in Iowa foster care, and while that’s not the reality for many of them, the state is finding success in efforts to smooth their transition out of the system and into adulthood. Carol Behrer, executive director of Youth Policy Institute of Iowa, says navigating life’s path can be especially tough for foster youth, so support in areas such as housing, education and employment is critical.

“The services available through the Iowa Aftercare Services Network are helping these young people meet their basic needs, but also learn the skills, develop the competencies that they need to become successful adults,” she points out.

In Iowa, there are around 6,000 children in foster care at any given time, with from 400 to 500 of them turning 18 and aging out of the system each year. One way that Iowa could provide more assistance for foster youth is by joining the federal program that includes funding for foster care services beyond age 18.

“States now have the option of continuing to receive that federal support up to the age of 21,” Behrer explains. “Iowa has not yet taken that option, although more than half the states have.”

(Iowa News Service)