Foster children could continue to receive state aid even after turning 19 under a bill working its way through the legislature. Brent Martin reports. . .
Foster children could continue to receive state aid even after turning 19 under a bill working its way through the legislature. Brent Martin reports. . .
Brent Martin; soc
Under the bill, eligible youth could sign a voluntary agreement with the state to receive limited services through age 21. Foster care ends after 18 currently.
Former foster child Mickey Alder of Lincoln says aging out of the system can be a real shock. . .
Former Foster Child Mickey Alder of Lincoln; "in my life"
The bill would extend Medicaid coverage, provide housing support and case management services.
The cost is projected at three million dollars at first, rising to six million by 2017.
Foster children would be able to receive limited state services through age 21 under a bill being considered this legislative session.
Former forster child Mickey Alder of Lincoln says "aging out" of the system at 18 can be scary. . .
Alder; "the necessary basics"
The bill would extend Medicaid coverage and providing housing assistance through age 21. Some case management services would also be offered.
The federal government would pick up much of the tab, with the state projected to spend three million dollars the first year...up to six million by 2017.
Limited state services would be extended for foster children under a bill the legislature is considering this session.
Former foster child Amanda Huxoll of Cambridge dropped out of school after leaving the foster care system to wait tables. She says housing assistance would have helped her stay in college. . .
Former Foster Child Amanada Huxoll, Cambridge; "very difficult"
Youth "age out" of the foster care system when they turn 19.
The bill would provide assistance for housing. It would extend Medicaid coverage up to age 21 and provide some other, limited state services.
The cost of the bill is projected to grow to six million dollars annaully by 2017.
Foster children who reach the age of 19 wouldn't have to leave all state assitance behind under a bill being consider in the legislative session.
Former foster child Amanda Huxoll of Cambridge says leaving the system can be an abrupt shock. . .
Huxoll; "on your own"
Under the bill, Medicaid coverage would be extended...housing assistance would be provided, as well as other, limited services.
The bill is projected to cost three million dollars a year at first, then grow to six million by 2017.
(image courtesy of stock.xchng)
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)