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According to Our Kids, more than 130 girls
age out
of foster care each year in Miami-Dade County.
According to national statistics:
- 50% will drop out of school
- At age 21, only 25% will still be enrolled in school;
only 2% will have earned a 2-year-degree
- 62% will be unemployed 12-18 months after aging out
- 50% will be unemployed at age 21; median yearly income will be $5,450
- 25-33% will become homeless within three years
- 60-70% will have babies by the age of 21
- 30% will be arrested between the ages of 18-21
Courtney, M., Dworsky, A., Cusick, G., Perez, A., & Keller, T. (2007). Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth: Outcomes at Age 21. Chapin Hall Center for Children, Univ of Chicago. Wertheimer, R., (2002) Youth Who “Age Out” of Foster Care: Troubled Lives, Troubling Prospects, Washington, D.C.: Child Trends.
Did You Know… In Miami-Dade County, young adults who age out of foster care and are full time students receive a monthly stipend of a little more than one thousand dollars? This modest income has to cover all living expenses, including rent, utilities, food, transportation and school books and supplies.
At Casa Valentina, bankers from TotalBank work with our residents on financial literacy and money management to help them budget and save money.
Did You Know… A recent CDC study showed that at least one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted infection?
At Casa Valentina, we educate our residents about safer sex practices by collaborating with expert organizations and individuals, including Planned Parenthood, Dr. Cheryl Holder, Dr. Marilyn Volker, and SISTA (Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics of AIDS).
Did You Know… According to a recent study by FIU, 50% of young women aging out of foster care in Miami-Dade County have babies?
Through our collaboration with Planned Parenthood and other community partners, we have been able to work with our residents on delaying childbearing.
Did You Know… Adults who grew up in the foster care system are at significantly increased risk for impaired physical health, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease?
As part of our weekly community meetings, Dr. Diane Krieger has conducted interactive health awareness/nutrition workshops funded by a grant from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation. In addition, our program coordinator, Emanna Louis, takes residents to work out at the University of Miami Wellness Center’s Gym.
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