Welfare Watch - June 10, 2009 - Graduates give State $209,000 each 

Each year, more than 500 foster children “age out” of the foster care system.  In other words, they “growup” while in foster care and are too “adult” to be in the system.  Of this number, about 50% graduate from high school while in foster care.  For children who are in the foster care system, their chances of graduating are greater than the general population.  If a child is in a residential facility, their chances of graduating are even higher.  Some residential facilities report 100% graduation rates.  Georgia has a financial interest in seeing that every child graduates.   

Henry M. Levin, of Teachers College, Columbia University (www.cbcse.org) estimates that the lifetime benefit of graduating from high school is $209,100.  This is like upon graduation, the student gave the state a bond paying interest each year on $209,100.  This value accrues over time like any CD would.  The return is huge. 

Tonight, 296 foster youth celebrated their graduation.  Celebration of Excellence held its 17th annual event.  Of those graduating, 26 graduated from college or technical school.   

Governor Perdue and the First Lady were there. Like “proud parents” they showered praise upon these students’ accomplishment in spite of very difficult obstacles.  Foster youth have an especially difficult time in school.  They are often moved, they average two years behind educationally, and abuse and neglect takes a toll on the psyche.  Learning is made especially difficult. 

It was gratifying to hear who the students thanked.  They thanked the Governor, their case managers, their foster parents, their group homes, the people who "adopted me," and the people who “told me that I would not amount to nothing.”  Like so many one said, “I am the first in my family to graduate from high school.”   

Investments in education by Georgia’s foster care system pays the State more than it invests in foster care.  The return in saved lives, salvaged families, increased tax revenue, an educated workforce and reductions in other welfare and criminal justice spending makes foster care and education a good investment. 

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Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Children
as a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org
                           
Normer Adams, Editor
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