PUBLISHED 2-1-2007

It’s unsafe for foster children to fend for themselves with no guidance, financial stability or education after they turn 18.

Legislation needs to be passed to help these young adults get on their feet and off the streets after they are too old for foster care.

Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, and Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, are introducing legislation for a transitional stipend for foster children.

The total cost to the state will be $123 million after five years. The state will save in the long-run by reducing the cost of prison operations and public assistance. The program also will help former foster youth contribute more taxes as a result of higher incomes they will have as productive adults.

Now, when foster children reach 18 years of age, they are turned out on their own to fend for themselves. Few 18-year-olds from stable families would be able to take care of themselves at this young age. Foster children who have bounced around homes, and carry emotional and physical scars are even less likely to succeed.

Under the proposed legislation, foster children will be transitioned into adulthood. Here’s how the program will work.

• Between the ages of 16 and 18, the courts will appoint a guardian for the foster child. The guardian could be the foster parent, or a responsible, qualified adult to teach the child how to manage money and make responsible “adult” decisions.

• When foster children turn 18, the state will pay them $850 per month for living expenses, continuing education, job training, etc. The monthly stipend will decrease to $258 per month in the fifth year, when the financial assistance ends.

The typical youth will receive about $47,000 over five years. Adjustments will be made to fit the special needs of youths.

Legislation that will help keep youth off the streets, develop productive adults and in the end save the state money deserves support.