The Problem
- There are more than 500,000 children and youth in foster care in the U.S. Approximately 20,000 youth “age out” or emancipate from foster care each year.
- 100,000 foster youth live in California.
- In California, 65% of youth leaving foster care do so without a place to live.
- Up to 50% of former foster probation youth become homeless within the first 18 months of emancipation.
- Fifty-eight percent (58%) of all young adults accessing federally funded youth shelters in 1997 had previously been in foster care.
- Less than half of former foster youth are employed 2.5-4 years after leaving foster care, and only thirty eight percent (38%) have maintained employment for at least one year.
- Youth in foster care are forty four percent (44%) less likely to graduate from high school and after emancipation, forty to fifty percent (40% – 50%) never complete high school.
- Girls in foster care are six times more likely to give birth before the age of 21 than the general population.
- Sixty percent (60%) of women who emancipate from foster care become parents within 2.5-4 years after exiting care.
- Parents with a history of foster care are almost twice as likely as parents with no such history to see their own children placed in foster care or become homeless.
"The Real World"
We at The Taylor House believe that it is necessary to create an environment that will advocate good habits while transitioning into “The Real World”. These positive practices include (but are not limited to) pay yourself first, paying rent on time, creating good work/study habits, saving for the future, keeping your space free from clutter, taking care of personal items, etc. A good grasp on good habits is essential for success in “The Real World”.
When potential residents hear about the house we invite them for a tour. This first step allows them to see how this charming house operates. We explain the benefits of the house, the rules, and what is expected of them. If the girls are interested, they fill out a rental application similar to what they would find in "The Real World". At that point their references will be checked and a deposit will be required as well as signing a month to month lease agreement. This entire process will mirror the rental steps taken in “The Real World”. Residents are responsible for sharing utilities, purchasing their own food, keeping up chores, as well as getting along with their peers.
An essential part of how the Taylor House teaches is through making an individual plan for each girl. The girls come at different stages in their life so we "Tailor" plans for each girl's needs. We first start with obtaining all their personal documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, permits and drivers licenses. We also assist in opening bank accounts and teach them how to manage their accounts through budgeting and creating a "survival number". Our volunteer job coaches prepare them for employment by helping them build a resume and teaching them how to look, apply, dress, interview, and "ask for a raise" as well as introducing them to protocols and conflict management in the workplace. We help the girls to successfully navigate the health care system, assisting with transportation to dental, optometric, medical and behavioral health appointments. We show the girls how to grocery shop, clean and cook and also how to utilize community resources and navigate their community.
We at The Taylor House are trying to create an atmosphere of "The Real World” while also offering several types of support systems. Everything from medical assistance and counseling to life skills training and practical application. The girls have access to these services at all times simply by communicating to us that there is an “unmet” need.
“The Real World” is an unavoidable step in life that will advance upon these girls regardless of whether or not they are prepared... Our goal at The Taylor House is to teach, guide and instill as many of the necessary skills and habits as possible in order to achieve a smooth and successful transition into, you guessed it, “The Real World”.
We at The Taylor House believe that it is necessary to create an environment that will advocate good habits while transitioning into “The Real World”. These positive practices include (but are not limited to) pay yourself first, paying rent on time, creating good work/study habits, saving for the future, keeping your space free from clutter, taking care of personal items, etc. A good grasp on good habits is essential for success in “The Real World”.
When potential residents hear about the house we invite them for a tour. This first step allows them to see how this charming house operates. We explain the benefits of the house, the rules, and what is expected of them. If the girls are interested, they fill out a rental application similar to what they would find in "The Real World". At that point their references will be checked and a deposit will be required as well as signing a month to month lease agreement. This entire process will mirror the rental steps taken in “The Real World”. Residents are responsible for sharing utilities, purchasing their own food, keeping up chores, as well as getting along with their peers.
An essential part of how the Taylor House teaches is through making an individual plan for each girl. The girls come at different stages in their life so we "Tailor" plans for each girl's needs. We first start with obtaining all their personal documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, permits and drivers licenses. We also assist in opening bank accounts and teach them how to manage their accounts through budgeting and creating a "survival number". Our volunteer job coaches prepare them for employment by helping them build a resume and teaching them how to look, apply, dress, interview, and "ask for a raise" as well as introducing them to protocols and conflict management in the workplace. We help the girls to successfully navigate the health care system, assisting with transportation to dental, optometric, medical and behavioral health appointments. We show the girls how to grocery shop, clean and cook and also how to utilize community resources and navigate their community.
We at The Taylor House are trying to create an atmosphere of "The Real World” while also offering several types of support systems. Everything from medical assistance and counseling to life skills training and practical application. The girls have access to these services at all times simply by communicating to us that there is an “unmet” need.
“The Real World” is an unavoidable step in life that will advance upon these girls regardless of whether or not they are prepared... Our goal at The Taylor House is to teach, guide and instill as many of the necessary skills and habits as possible in order to achieve a smooth and successful transition into, you guessed it, “The Real World”.
