NCJ Number
159059
Journal
Daily Living Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 1-3,6-7
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Research findings suggest that as many as 25 percent of older teenagers in foster care live in rural communities; approaches that have been used to meet the needs of these youths are described.
Abstract
Distance and lack of resources are the two most commonly reported problems associated with youth foster care in rural communities. Rural areas also have fewer vocational opportunities to offer, and youth must frequently move away to obtain advanced education and vocational training. In Northampton County, Virginia, the focus is on assistance from foster parents and regional activities. Most youths are placed in stable foster families so they can learn daily living skills. Regional activities involve 30 to 40 youths from other cities and communities. Young people are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Older youths who participate in the independent living subsidy program remain in foster homes and pay rent. Under a subsidy agreement, young people receive a check in their name to pay rent and living expenses. In Texas, independent living services are provided regionally through the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program. When youths are too far away to attend groups, the PAL program takes life skills instruction to them. All youths in Texas are eligible to receive a PAL allowance of $1,000 if they complete life skills training. In addition to individual instruction, youth can participate in special State and regional events. Fayette County, Pennsylvania, provides life skills training for eligible youths between 10 and 15 years of age. Incentives to both foster parents and youth help with attendance. Foster parents are reimbursed for mileage, and youths earn a $50 stipend for attending a session. Life skills training programs in Pennsylvania are offered in other Pennsylvania counties that emphasize foster parent involvement.