Why emancipating foster youth?
Each year in Sacramento County, there are over 450 children that age out of the foster care system. Many of these youth leave the system alone, without family or other positive role models to help them as they transition to adulthood.
According to the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance, Sacramento County youth who leave foster care without guidance show that within 12 to 18 months of leaving the system:
- 40% will suffer serious physical victimization, including sexual assault
- 30% will be homeless
- 33% will be forced to rely on public assistance
Across Sacramento there is a pressing need to prepare foster youth for success to help these young adults recognize their own capacity to contribute as productive members of the community. Many emancipated foster youth require a comprehensive and multi-pronged set of supports, including physical, emotional and economic support. Many have suffered the effects of neglect, poverty and abuse creating significant barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. Our goal is to provide these foster care youth with the combined and integrated resources necessary to enable them to be successful and responsible adults.
What is JumpStart 21 EFY?
In partnership with the Laverne Adolfo Transitional Housing Program, El Hogar, and the Center for Aids Research, Education and Services (CARES), SACCF is providing emancipated foster youth with a pathway to self-sufficiency. In addition to employment training, paid internships and long-term employment, the JumpStart 21 Initiative is providing housing support, life skills, health care access and mental health support.
