Michigan’s progress in helping foster youths aging out of care will get national exposure at the second meeting of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Policy Academy Nov. 28-30 in Miami, FL.

Department of Human Services Director Marianne Udow will outline key challenges, innovative efforts underway and progress steps that Michigan has taken from its report on the “Interdepartmental Task Force on Services to At Risk Youth Transitioning to Adulthood” released in October. The report includes 21 action steps to ease foster youths’ transition to independence when they age out of foster care at 18 years of age.

“We have taken some important steps in implementing our plans,” Udow said, “but there is more to do and we hope our work inspires other states and other organizations to join our efforts to help these young people on the road to self sufficiency.”
In May 2006, Michigan was one of six states selected to participate in the NGA Best Practices Policy Academy. Michigan policymakers worked with national experts to design and implement new policies and programs for youth aging out of foster care at the first meeting. States participating in the academy will be represented by a core team, appointed by the governor and comprised of senior state leaders who are in a position to develop and implement substantial changes in policies and practices. The 45-member Michigan task force, co-chaired by Udow and Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan, delivered its report to the Michigan Legislature in October 2006.
In Michigan, about 450 youths aged out of foster care during 2005. These young adults are at greater risk for poverty, homelessness, unemployment and other negative outcomes. The Michigan task force examined various challenges for foster care youths and included recommendations from foster youths with firsthand experience on the panel.
“There is a growing awareness among our state and community partners that it is a myth to assume a child of 18 is ready for independence,” Udow said.
Interdepartmental Task Force on Services to At Risk Youth Transitioning to Adulthood Report