Shining Light on a Road to Their Future With worries such as where to go to college or what career path to pursue, the future for many teens can seem daunting. But for kids in the foster care system, who not only have those same concerns but also the added worries of if they will simply have a place to live or continued guidance from someone who cares for them once they turn eighteen, the future can seem impossible. “Every child counts, whether they are in foster care or not, said Duane Chapman, a volunteer with the Richmond Police Department Youth Services Division. “But foster kids count a little more because they may not always have that person they can go to for help,” For the last three years the Foster Care Youth Conference: Road to Your Future has been reaching out to foster care youth—kids ages fourteen to 24 in foster homes, group homes and even those who are homeless—to show them that they do count. This annual event is hosted by the Richmond Police Department Youth Services Division in collaboration with Alameda, Solano and Contra Costa counties and aims to bring foster kids from all over the Bay Area together for an By Jeannie Howard educational and fun filled day focused on them and their future. “It’s a one day event that was designed for the children to come and have their day,” said Chapman. “They get an opportunity to be educated and to have fun. The laws have changed so much these days and we want to be sure these children have something to help them move forward and will teach them about what will happen after they turn eighteen and what is out there for them after they turn 25.” Youth were treated to a wide array of workshops from money management, schooling available and employment skills to managing relationships, making musical beats and healthy eating and living. “There were even barbers and stylists there for haircuts and for the girls, manicurists to get their nails done. It was all to let them know we care about them,” said Chapman. Coming off the heels of the latest conference, which was on March 21, 2015, Chapman, one of the event organizers, said 150 youth were able to attend, which is up in attendance from previous years.
Contra Costa Marketplace - Aug 2015
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