DOVER, Del. (AP)— A newly formed working group is meeting to discuss whether Delaware should extend its foster care program to age 21.
The group scheduled to meet Thursday was formed in response to a House resolution signed last week by Gov. Jack Markell.
The resolution directs the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families to submit an analysis and recommendations for creating a developmentally appropriate foster care program for youth up to age 21. The report is due by Sept. 17.
The resolution was introduced upon the recommendation of an advisory council of young people who have experienced foster care in Delaware.
According to the resolution, youngsters who age out of foster care at 18 often face hardships in finding housing and jobs, obtaining health care and finishing their education.
