gcfbrain

Best of luck to you. I am an old ward of the state myself, having been in care for over 14 years and gone through 4 failed adoptions. It's very hard aging out, I wish you the best of luck in your transition and truly hope your state is there to assist you.

Mine was a bit less fortunate than others. I'm going to assume you probably have no contact with your parents, as most of us do. It's very difficult going from having everything taken care of for you (for the most part, foster children are coddled and kept in a protective bubble) to "Hey, you get to do everything now!" The learning process is difficult, and incredibly steep. Be mindful of the people you involve yourself with, and stay on top of your financials and you'll be golden. I just wish it didn't take me 8 years to finally get that sorted out :/

Stats I gathered when I spoke in front of panel about the sad state of affairs of foster care in 2010 were something like 50% of foster kids won't graduate high school if they've been in care at least 2 years prior. On top of that, roughly 40% will be homeless/transient/other within the first 4 years. Your college graduates are even smaller, like you said. It's really a harsh reality check you're about to get hit with.

14, almost 15 year vet here.

I did one under a throwaway a few months back. If you dig around, I'm sure you might be able to find it. Maybe not.