Need Help? Here are 5 Resources for Former Foster Youth

When I turned 18, I didn't know of any resources that were available to former foster youth - and I was homeless at the time, so you know I could have benefited from them. It wasn't until I was 23 that I found out there's help for those who have been impacted by foster care, but at that point I was almost at the age limit. Most resources, unfortunately, only help you until your between 24-26. That's a whole discussion for another day, though. Right now, let's go through five resources that exist for former foster youth and how to access them. Some of these may be more local to the Los Angeles area, but even if that's so, you can always email them to ask for resources in your area as well! Don't ever feel embarrassed or too shy to reach out, they're all here to help YOU!

5 Resources for Former Foster Youth

1. A Home Within

   1. www.ahomewithin.org

      A Home Within is an organization that provides free ongoing therapy to youth who have been impacted by foster care, no known age restriction. Even if you were only in foster care for a short amount of time, you still qualify! Head on over to their website to get started! Therapy is essential in the healing process!

2. Fostering Media Connections

   1. www.fosteringmediaconnections.org

      FMC helped me immensely in getting my story out to the public, giving me writing opportunities, and helping me market my memoir. They offer paid writing opportunities and the Youth Voices Rising program. If you're interested in writing or journalism, or even just writing a one-time piece, go check them out! You can email them directly to ask about these opportunities or browse their website on your own.

3. A Sense of Home

   1. www.asenseofhome.org

      A sense of home exists to help transitional aged youth who are moving in to their first apartment with furniture and home essentials. "ASOH partners with LA County and DCFS to advance Permanent Supportive Housing. ASOH is the only partner agency with DCFS that refers former foster youth for vouchers and the only agency that DCFS turns to create homes for former foster youth. ASOH secures housing vouchers for former foster youth and once TAY youth receive the keys to their apartment, ASOH turns their empty space into functioning and inspired homes. ASOH connects TAY youth to additional services within our expansive Resource Network and supports them in onboarding to these programs. Resource Network opportunities include financial literacy training, educational scholarships, therapy, trauma informed healing, referrals for job placement, and job training."

4. Foster Nation

   1. www.fosternation.org

      Foster Nation exists to help foster youth become successful, self-sustaining adults through countless programs and referrals. Click here to take a quick peek at the programs they offer, and don't hesitate to reach out to them directly to inquire or ask for guidance as to which program might benefit you best!

5. United Friends of the Children

   1. www.unitedfriends.org

      United Friends of the Children have been helping and empowering foster youth since 1979. Similar to Foster Nation, they also have ample programs in place to help foster youth in a number of areas in their lives. Click here to read more about the specifics of their programs!

There are countless resources for former foster youth. It can be overwhelming when doing research and trying to find help, enough to make you give up on it, even. Don't, though - you are worth every amount of help that's available! These are only five resources, but there are so many more. Stay in touch for more resource lists in the future!

You are worth helping.