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More than 10 years ago, my wife and I – who were serving as foster parents at the time – adopted two foster children, Emily and BJ.
The kids had come from a difficult home life, and our goal was simply to show them that people do care and that things could be better.
Today, Emily is preparing to graduate from high school. Her little brother, BJ, has embraced old rock and roll, British comedy and soccer.
For both kids, things are much better. They are on their paths to success and are surrounded by people who deeply love them deeply.
But here in Oklahoma – a state with thousands of children in foster care – the late teenage years for many foster kids aren’t always positive. By that time, many of them — now considered adults — have been placed in dozens of different homes and have no connection to their foster families or other adults.
And later, when they turn 18, they are forced out of the system, whether they are prepared or not.
The result: a difficult young adulthood, often criminal activity, and the loss of what could have been caring, productive residents.
The system, which claims it wants to help those who need it most, fails instead.
Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton wants to change that. Last week, he announced Senate Bill 1806 to extend the amount of time that kids in foster care could receive services.
Instead of being forced out of the system at 18, Paxton’s legislation would keep those services available until the kid reaches 21.
“For many of these young adults, turning 18 doesn’t mean they suddenly have the support system needed to succeed,” Paxton said. “This bill ensures they have access to stability as they enter young adulthood. We have to do everything we can to help support them so they can become productive members of the workforce and society. Extending these services gives them a stronger foundation for long-term success.”
Paxton is correct. More support means the kid in foster care has a better chance as an adult. Those extra three years will not only benefit a resident who is struggling but also the state as a whole.
The process is voluntary, too.
However, like the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship, unless the child is unable to participate due to a documented medical condition, Paxton’s plan has a few requirements. Eligible foster kids must:
•Complete secondary education;
•Enroll in college or a career technology program;
•Participate in employment-readiness or workforce programs; or
•Work at least 80 hours per month.
Paxton’s plan is simple, economical and comes with great potential. It’s an idea that can make the state stronger and, at the same time, provide assistance for many who desperately need it.
For state lawmakers, the choice is easy – support the legislation.
In our home, we’re hopeful.
Here, our family has a deep understanding of the needs of a child in foster care and we believe that Paxton’s legislation can help fill some of those needs.
Soon, Emily and BJ won’t be considered children anymore. They will venture out on their own and begin their own lives. I just pray that the thousands of other foster kids in this state can get the same opportunity.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter with more than 40 years’ experience covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma. He can be reached at scott.carter@swoknews.com.