SFY 25 Fostering Success (CL5)

Employment outcomes for foster youth and alumni are dismal. Myriad studies document that these individuals have higher unemployment rates, are overly dependent on public financial assistance due to employment circumstances, are more likely to experience employment insecurity, and tend to be lower-wage earners, when compared to their non-fostered peers. Despite the importance of employment education and training for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood, few broad-based, sustainable models and initiatives aimed at allaying these inimical employment challenges for this population exist. Against this backdrop, the Cabinet initiated Fostering Success/Earn and Learn, employment and educational initiatives, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Training Resource Center.