Problems Faced by
Youth in Care
•Stigma that they are “bad youth”
•Separation from family -abandonment,
abuse and neglect; unresolved issues
with family
•Multiple placements and changes in schools
•Loss of credits for high school work
•Low Self-Esteem, shame, fears
•Psychological Issues, PTSD, developmental
delays; late or lack of diagnoses/treatment
•Few opportunities to practice life skills
•Lack of appropriate role models
•No mentors to guide their development
•Goal-setting discussions are often delayed until they reach age 16
•Sense of powerlessness and frustration
•Not encouraged or expected to stay
•Anger, depression
•Risky behaviors
•Peer Pressure
•Oppositional behaviors
•Not encouraged to give back through service to others or
sharing talents in community
What you can do - Community
•Advocacy for youth rights to education
•Work to erase stigmas and promote understanding and
youth/family involvement in planning and decision making
decision
•Include youth in assessment of programs, planning and
service delivery
•School and college/university partnerships with foster youth-
serving systems
•Advocate for legislative changes