A task force created by the state legislature recommends Louisiana should allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21, instead of 18. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it would dramatically improve outcomes.
“The outcomes for kids that don’t have a permanent connection when they leave us are dismal, we have kids that become homeless, they get sex trafficked, they go into our juvenile justice system,” said Walters.
A national report notes kids who leave the foster system at 18 have a one in five chance of becoming homeless, and less than 3 percent will earn a college degree by 25.
The proposal comes with a three million dollar price tag and it will be discussed in the legislative session that begins in April. Walters says that three million is worth it.
“What’s that going to turn over in our economy, with these kids having a job or getting an education, it’s a benefit back to the state of about five dollars for every dollar we spend,” said Walters.
Last year, the state legislature passed a law that allows kids to stay in the program past 18 if they are still in high school, even while lawmakers had a bloody battle over state revenues. Walters says she has faith they can cut through the gridlock once again.
“It’s not a heavy lift, it’s three-million dollars and our economy has been good as it’s ever been,” said Walters.
If Louisiana made the change, the state would join 28 other states that provide foster care services to all youth until age 21.
