On Wednesday of this week, I attended a workshop regarding Housing Needs of Youth Exiting Foster Care in Oklahoma. We heard grim statistics about their homelessness within the first year; 30% of the Oklahoma youth exiting foster care at age 18 reported experiencing homelessness! Did you know that over 12,000 children of whom 1,408 are between the ages of 14-17 are in DHS custody? Although the majority are reunified or adopted or guardianship, 7% remain in foster care, or exit without permanence.
Findings from Oklahoma’s analysis of foster youth in transition data sources indicate the odds of becoming homeless are:
• 3 times higher for those who received some form of public aid than those who did not
• 2.5 times higher for those who exited care from a shelter compared to those in a traditional foster home
• 2 times higher for those who received IL services (Yes I Can/ETV) after exit than those who did not
• 1.5 times higher for those who had some form of juvenile justice exposure than those who did not
• 1.5 times higher for those who exited care from a moderate to high group home compared to those in a traditional foster home
• There is a strong relationship between youth who experienced homelessness during childhood and those who report homelessness at 19 years (high risk).
• There is a strong relationship between youth who were in the juvenile justice system and end up in adult justice system (high risk).
• There is a strong relationship between youth who were referred for substance abuse treatment as a juvenile and involvement in adult justice system.
The Dept. of Human Services received a planning grant to build on the capacity of existing systems to prevent long-term homelessness among at-risk youth with foster care involvement. Community targets are Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas. The plan will focus on improving 5 core outcomes: Education, Employment, Housing, Permanent Connections and Well-Being. To view the presentation, handout, and community meeting schedule/presentations, click here> http://1drv.ms/1yinmV7
If your organization or you personally wish to become involved please contact one of the below individuals. Together we can make a difference.
Rachel Dorsett, BSW
Road to Independence
Program Representative- Oklahoma City
(405) 522-3911
Rachel.Dorsett
Jacqueline McDaniel, MHR
Road to Independence
Program Supervisor
(405) 522-3869
Jacqueline.McDaniel
Join me,
Wanda DeBruler