Some young adults transitioning out of Kentucky’s foster care program are getting more one on one mentoring. The state has contracted with the national non-profit Youth Villages to offer the LifeSet program to those 17 to 21.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander says it involves a life skills specialist who meets with young people from some 25 counties. “So, what they would do is help them navigate things that, you know normally we would think that families would do. Some basic life skills, how to rent, financial, support and what are some of the skills they’re going to need as they leave the foster care program and go into being a young adult,” said Friedlander.
Specialists meet with the young people at a place of the youth’s choosing once a week. Their discussions could cover various topics including housing, transportation, employment, health, and relationships through experiential learning. Friedlander noted the current coronavirus pandemic complicates the aging-out process. “I think everybody that has a child that’s getting ready to transition out of the home are finding this out, there’s some very specific challenges and so, kids in foster care not only are those challenges there, but you multiply that by, if you’re turning 18, you don’t really have a family support system,” said Friedlander.
Friedlander said hundreds of youth could benefit from LifeSet. He added Kentucky’s foster care program has some 9700 children and youth.
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