EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative for the Metroplex East Region, hosted the Next Chapter – Life After Foster Care Symposium at Dallas College Richland Campus. The event was designed by EMPOWER to address the unique challenges faced by older youth in foster care and those preparing to transition into adulthood.
Through its Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, EMPOWER ensures older youth in substitute care within the Metroplex East Region have the skills, support systems, and information needed to successfully transition into adulthood.
The need for targeted support is clear: while 75% of all youth in foster care are placed within the Metroplex East Region, only 41% of youth ages 14 and older are placed in the region. That means too many teens are disconnected from their schools, friends and support systems at a critical stage of life.
“This symposium was about more than just a meeting, it was about building a network of people and resources that can walk alongside youth as they step into adulthood," said Randy Neff, Senior Vice President of EMPOWER. “No single organization can meet every need, but together, we can make sure no young person feels alone in this transition."
The symposium brought together more than 57 participants representing 43 community organizations, creating an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration, connection and action. Attendees examined key data and trends while identifying solutions to better support young people as they move from foster care into independence.
“No matter what the need was, there was someone to represent everyone all the way up until adulthood,” said Dr. Knetra Shaw of MacDac Center. “I loved the idea of everyone getting the chance to introduce their organization, because typically you come to these meetings and everyone sits in silence, but this format gave us the opportunity to connect.”
As a next step, attendees plan to form subcommittees and develop action plans to ensure these young people are not only surviving but thriving as they move forward. The collaboration represents a milestone toward building a stronger network of support and creating brighter futures for youth aging out of foster care.
Together, the community can ensure older youth in foster care have the support they need to thrive. One of the most powerful ways to help is by opening your home to foster a teen and provide the love and stability they deserve. Learn more at www.3empower.org/fosterfutures/.