Introduction to the Foster Care System in New York City
As we look to the upcoming school year, it is my hope that New York City continues to invest in training for our foster parents as well as initiatives like College Choice and Fair Futures, which have helped turn the ‘system’ into a supportive village to help young people in foster care as they transition into adulthood.
My Personal Experience in Foster Care
This season, students across New York City are going back to college, many with the support of their family members and loved ones who may even pay for resources to assist along the way. Students in foster care, like myself, deserve that same support and encouragement. In New York City, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is making that happen in a number of ways, for which I am incredibly grateful.
Challenges Faced in Foster Care
As someone who grew up in foster care, I know how difficult life can be. I have faced many challenges. I was diagnosed as visually impaired at 12 years old. A few years later, both my parents passed away for different health reasons. There I was in my early teens, legally blind and struggling with the grief of losing the two most important people in my life.
The Impact of Supportive Foster Parents
After a few different placements both with relatives and foster parents that just weren’t the right fit, I finally met Ms. Matthews, who showed me patience, kindness and love. I know that was not easy to do, as I was rebellious and unmotivated about the future. Ms. Matthews did not let that stop her. She treated me as part of her family. Although I was unsure about what I wanted to do in life she kept on offering me guidance, but most of all—grace. I am grateful for her dedication and her belief in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Initiatives Supporting Foster Youth
Ms. Matthews has been a foster parent for many, many years, and so her knowledge of the foster care system is invaluable. She has seen the improvements firsthand and was able to point me to a wide range of resources newly available to older youth in foster care. I was hesitant at first and only did it to appease her, but that changed when I realized how invested everyone was in my success.
The Fair Futures Program
The Fair Futures program was life-changing for me. Ms. Matthews pointed me to an ACS-funded youth center in my borough of the Bronx that paired me with my own Fair Futures coach. I started to meet with my coach twice a month to plan goals and put them into action, starting with completing my GED. My coach helped me land a paid internship in the catering field. For the first time in a long time, I felt like a productive young adult.
The ACS College Choice Program
I was ready to try my next move, but thankfully I didn’t have to do it alone because of the ACS College Choice Program. A team of coaches helped me with everything—from finding the right college, to applying and visiting campuses in person. These are usually rites of passage that a young person does with family members, and that may seem out of reach to teens in foster care. That is not the case anymore, because of College Choice. Foster youth no longer have to feel left out or navigate this complicated process alone.
Ongoing Support and Success
College Choice pays the tuition, room and board for college students who are in foster care. It also provides a daily stipend, including for six months after graduation. It is helping to cover the cost of my dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration. This year, 25 young people graduated from the College Choice program.
Conclusion
As we look to the upcoming school year, it is my hope that New York City continues to invest in training for our foster parents as well as initiatives like College Choice and Fair Futures, which have helped turn the “system” into a supportive village to help young people in foster care as they transition into adulthood. I am an example of what is possible when unconditional support is available for foster youth. I hope the programs continue to grow for the next generation, so every student in New York City—no matter their background—can reach full potential.
FAQs
Q: What is the Fair Futures program?
A: The Fair Futures program is an initiative that provides support to older youth in foster care, including pairing them with a coach to plan goals and put them into action.
Q: How does the ACS College Choice Program support foster youth?
A: The ACS College Choice Program supports foster youth by providing a team of coaches to help with everything from finding the right college to applying and visiting campuses, as well as paying tuition, room, and board for college students in foster care.
Q: What is the goal of the initiatives supporting foster youth in New York City?
A: The goal of these initiatives is to provide unconditional support to foster youth, helping them transition into adulthood and reach their full potential, regardless of their background.
Q: How can the community get involved in supporting foster youth?
A: The community can get involved by advocating for the continuation and growth of programs like College Choice and Fair Futures, and by providing support and resources to foster parents and youth in care.
Q: What are the benefits of investing in training for foster parents?
A: Investing in training for foster parents can help provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support foster youth, leading to better outcomes and a more supportive environment for youth in care.
