"BRIDGE TO DESTINY BELIZE"
"Giving HOPE and HELP to the Youth of Belize to discover their DESTINY in Life"
"THE BRIDGE LIFE TRAINING CENTER "
for
"An Invisible Forgotten Population"
Young Adults who are Aging out of the Foster Care System are at tremendous risk and are
faced with many unique challenges. We will present an overview of some of but not all of
the risk factors found within this age group, primarily occurring after they are discharged
from Foster Care and the need for a group of Transitional Homes for this special group
of youth who are an "Invisible Forgotten Population At Risk".
Risk Factors for Youth Leaving the Foster Care System
HOMELESSNESS
Numbers of homeless youth are the products of the Foster Care System. Many youth who
age out of the Foster Care System could become homeless after discharge from the system.
At such a critical stage of their development, these young adults who should be focusing
on establishing themselves as independent members of society, will struggle to find
housing on their own. Many may be forced to the street because they will have no
income even if housing was available. Since there are no homeless shelters or family to
return to they may find themselves in a situation that could last throughout their life.
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT & JOB TRAINING
Even if jobs were available, which in most cases they are not, due to their lack of work
history and/or lackluster job training, many of these Young Adults will face difficulty finding
employment. Those who do obtain employment may be forced to work at low-paying jobs,
making them susceptible to exploitation, poverty, and increased difficulty establishing their
independence. Poor job preparation and limited skills training place foster children at an
unfair disadvantage when facing the job market if jobs are available. Youth exiting the
foster care system may not be getting any type of career counseling or training in regards
to job application and/or interviewing, which places them at a greater disadvantage.
HEALTH and WELL-BEING
Many Young Adults upon leaving the Foster Care System will face additional issues in relation to their physical and mental health. Some of the girls occasionally find themselves with unexpected pregnancies due to bad decisions. Unstable housing situations,
limited basic life skills, a yearning for love and something to nurture, just wanting
to feel wanted and needed, and family patterns of instability and risk can all contribute
to the early childbearing found within this "Invisible Forgotten Population at Risk".
Subsequent to limited relationship experience and lack of effective relationship models, this
group is at an increased risk for poor individual and relational adjustment. Mental health
issues such as depression, mental illness, and anxiety may become high and put these
youth at risk for negative outcomes once they age out of the Foster Care System.
WHAT MIGHT DETERMINE RISK FOR "AGED-OUT YOUTH"?
The experiences faced by the Young Adults aging out of the Foster Care System can be determined by many factors, occurring both before and after leaving the Foster Care
System. Positive experiences result when a Young Adult receives services that prepare
them for independence and the quality of care they received while in the Foster
System. Youth who may have more negative experiences probably had more
than one foster care placement and less education or formal training.
AREAS OF HELP TO BE PROVIDED AT "THE BRIDGE"
Family and Consumer Sciences:
Permanent and safe housing options
Financial literacy, budgeting, and money management
Nutritional education, food/diet, food safety
Health Care and Education, disease prevention, reproductive information
Mental Health resources for specialized services, depression, and stress management
Relationship adjustment, pre-marital/marital education, and parenting
Career placement and job training
Educational programs
Community Development:
Community relationships including volunteer work in a local church Youth-adult partnerships
Volunteer involvement at the "Life Training Center" with the Destiny Youth and much, much more.
Summary
The experience gained from the resources provided at the "Life Training Center" by the
Destiny Staff will be a valuable asset for the Young Adults aging out of the foster
care system. This group of youth is in desperate need of education and intervention
once they leave the Foster Care System. The program development and delivery to this
"Invisible Forgotten Population at Risk" will have a positive impact not only on the
experiences of the youth, but it will also affect the community and Belize as a whole.
Join us today in making a difference in the lives of the Youth of Belize.
No gift is too small - Every gift will be used to assist these Children.
Formerly "Ministries of Destiny Belize"
Once the Young Adults arrived at "The Bridge" they will be provided an opportunity
to complete their high school education as most will only have completed the 8th grade. Future plans are to provide continuing discipleship training through a Bible College which will give them the opportunity to prepare for the Ministry, if they desire. This will also enable them and give them a chance in life to become productive independent individuals while changing the lives of others around them. Ministers and Praise and Worship leaders can come out of this group of Young Adults as they are being discipled and learning about the love of God while discovering their Destiny
CLICK HERE! to return to the Previous Page.
"Bridge to Destiny Belize"
