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A forced Independence Day

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By KELLY AKERLEY

Special To The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday, America. We gather to celebrate the independence of our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

Independence is a recurring theme throughout our lives, beginning with our very first steps. We celebrate our 18th birthdays amidst plans for high school graduation, college enrollment, military enlistment or employment.

These and other important life choices are made with the support and guidance of loving families.

Not so for Suzi. At 18, she was escorted to the door of a foster care facility, suddenly homeless. Sadly, Suzi had "aged out" of the foster care system, a harsh reality facing foster youth who are not adopted before their 18th birthdays.

The traumatized teens, victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment, are handed notebooks containing their important personal papers and sent into the world ill-equipped, frightened and vulnerable. Carli, also among approximately 800 youths who age out of Florida's foster care system each year, says, "It's like becoming an instant adult - I felt so alone."

Florida provides limited monetary and tuition assistance through programs such as Road to Independence, which requires a youth to be enrolled as a full-time student. But most are behind in school and struggle to graduate or earn GEDs while finding safe homes and jobs paying more than minimum wage. Few know how to manage a bank account or budget or have a driver's license or vehicle.

Studies show that more than 50 percent of former foster youth never complete high school, and 62 percent are unemployed.

Some communities and individuals are stepping up to fill the voids, but more is needed. Beyond safe shelter, youths need transitional living services that provide instruction on money management, employability, daily living skills and sound judgment. Equally important are adult counselors and volunteers to guide, mentor and care for these young adults struggling with the overwhelming reality of their impending independence.

Children's Home Society of Florida's Youth Transition Center in Vero Beach is one such example of a community embracing its 18- to 23-year-old youth and their vital need for specialized services.

Similarly, Sanford native and Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Jeff Faine recently committed to funding the acquisition and first year's operating costs for a transitional center in Central Florida. Also a successful entrepreneur, Faine says, "This is possibly the most important investment I've made yet. Giving these young men and women a chance in life is the right thing to do, for them and for the community."

At 21, Adam credits these services for helping him more easily shift from 11 years in foster care to his own apartment. Pursuing a degree in culinary arts, Adam is grateful for the chance to reach his goals. And if he stumbles upon a roadblock, transitional services, caring staff and generous volunteers are there to help.

As a society, we must do more for these young people. True, we rescue them from broken families, physical and emotional harm, but until we help them successfully transition to self-sufficiency, we're not fulfilling our assumed parental obligation.

How can we, in good conscience, wish them, "Happy 18th birthday"?

Kelly Akerley is executive director of Children's Home Society of Florida, Gulf Coast Division.

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