A new legislative pilot program is underway to build on past efforts to help kids aging out of foster care get a job in the future.
Florida Guardian Ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz says among the obstacles facing foster care youth is finding a job.
“When you look at the statistics of youth who have aged out of foster care, you see homelessness, lack of jobs, and the legislature clearly realizes that many of these kids have not been put into a position to excel,” said Abramowitz.
So, he says that’s why he’s grateful to the legislature and the Governor for approving $75,000 in this year’s budget to fund a pilot program that creates paid internship opportunities for foster youth.
“So, although, it’s an internship so these youth previously in foster care could get some experience, I personally am hoping that they have a passion for what they’re doing and they seek out a job because with that background, they clearly will be qualified to work,” added Abramowitz.
The Florida Department of Agriculture is the first state agency to hire six foster care youth as part of the pilot.
Stay tuned to Friday's Capital Report for more on this story!
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