May 9, 2008

County opens post-foster home

Housing aids youths leaving the system

By Alan Fackler / Bay Area News Group

San Mateo County officials unveiled a new housing triplex Thursday designed to aid former foster youths who have "aged out" of the system by turning 18.

The grand opening allowed people to tour the new facility before residents move in early next month.

Renee Smylie, the county's director of Children and Family Services, said numerous studies show that half of emancipated foster youths are homeless within a year of leaving the system. The new complex will provide stability, financial help, and advice for youths to successfully make the transition to adulthood, she said.

"This program will serve as a temporary but somewhat long-term housing site for former foster youths," said Tim Quinn, a county after-care counselor. "It's for youth who already have some idea of where they're going and what they want to be."

The facility will allow former foster children to live rent-free for up to two years. In exchange, the youths must get a job or become full-time students. During their stay, residents will be taught essential life skills, like creating a checking account, cooking and shopping for meals. They will also receive additional educational planning by a resident adviser who is also a former foster youth.

The triplex, at 701 Grand Ave., will house nine residents, including the resident adviser.

"When they come in, we'll go over their time period with them and make sure they're hitting their targets," Quinn said. "It serves many different purposes, and it's a really good option for youths that are trying to make something happen for themselves."

The Human Services Agency hopes to open two more complexes in the county within the next two years, one in East Palo Alto and the other in central San Mateo County.

"Youth emancipating out of foster care face incredible challenges," said county Supervisor Mark Church. "Providing housing eliminates one of those challenges and gives these youth a real opportunity to pursue their interests and to become productive and contributing members of our community."