Why Did My Towels Turn Pink?

This is just one of the many questions that each of us may have called our parents in a panic to ask. It’s a nearly universal rite of passage for young adults into independence and self-care as adults. But this question plaques me on an entirely different level.

What if I didn’t have parents to call? For thousands of American young adults this is reality because they’ve “aged out” of Foster Care and find themselves on their own without a support system to prop them up when they need it, to call when they panic over small (and nearly always easily solved) problems, to be there to encourage during failure or celebrate success. These kids are in the system because their family of origin failed them in some way and now they’re out on their own because their time in the “system” is over. What a sad reality.

The statistics and outcomes of these kids are staggeringly sad with only 6% ever making it to further education, many states report that 70-80% of inmates in their prisons were formerly in Foster Care, 70% of girls become pregnant and 100% live life without a home-base of stability, advice and love.

[quote]I think we can do better. I am praying that God would raise up families who will open their homes, hearts and resources to this lost and forgot segment of our society.[/quote]

James 1:27, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”