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November 2015Vol. 16, No. 8Bridging Resources for Transitioning Youth

Although the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be trying for any youth, it can be particularly difficult for youth in foster care who must transition out of care into independent living. Despite existing Federal and State provisions for assisting transitioning youth, many who age out of foster care often do so without access to basic resources that promote self-sufficiency. These youth are more likely to face barriers including homelessness, unemployment, lack of health care, difficulties in achieving academic success, and incarceration. Safety Net, a youth support organization in Spokane, WA, aims to assist youth in navigating the complexities of their transitions to adulthood and to promote their stability and access to resources.

Molly Allen and Coleen Quisenberry—two mothers with knowledge of and experience with youth in care—were motivated to found the organization after becoming aware of the obstacles faced by youth aging out of foster care within the Spokane community. Safety Net serves as a bridge between transitioning youth and supportive resources by assisting youth with the following:

  • Resources and supports to stay in school
  • Job skills development and enhancement
  • Immediate emergency financial assistance

To learn more about the organization, including how to get involved and upcoming events, visit the Safety Net website at http://safetynetspokane.org/index.html.