Growing up in Foster Care without consistent parents or a stable home is an undoubtedly difficult experience, and a prevalent one. Well over 500,000 kids in California grow up in the system causing much emotional trauma for the youths and also financial losses for the state. But aging out of the system, or making the transition to independence, is even more challenging. Each year nearly 30,000 youths age out of Foster Care with nothing but themselves to rely on. Aiding this transition are several programs funded by private institutions.
We interviewed two young women who have grown up in Foster Care and are about to age out. Here are their stories.
Reporters: Gracie Markland, Taylor Foland
Photographer: Matt Campbell