University of San Diego researchers say California is neglecting teenagers who age-out of the state’s foster care system. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis spoke with a San Diego foster teen about the findings of a new report.
USD researchers say state programs don’t provide enough money and guidance to help foster teens live on their own successfully. Researchers say that’s why these teens are more likely to become homeless, commit crimes or go on welfare once they’re forced out of the system at 18.
Twenty-year-old Victoria Peralto has been in and out of foster homes since she was a baby. Peralto wants to go to college but she has no money and the state isn’t helping.
Peralto: I’m smart, I’m intelligent, obviously articulate. But the money, the support isn’t there. I just, I just don’t know what I’m going to do.
Experts say even young adults with parents who financially support them don’t become self-sufficient until their mid 20s. Researchers want the state to adopt a new program that would help foster teens become self-sufficient.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
