Building Blocks

Building Blocks is a transitional living community for emancipated foster youth. Emancipated foster youth are children in the foster care system who reached age 18 and are no longer supported by the county. In 2006, 158 Kern County foster children reached age 18 and many of them had no place to live and no family to aid them.

For statistical purposes, the following is an excerpt of an article entitled "The 'Emancipation' of Foster Youth" from Finalcall.com News.

Recent studies, according to Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass, indicate that in California, disturbing percentages of foster care youth who graduate from the system at age 18 face increased homelessness, unemployment and incarceration unless corrective measures are taken. “Within two to four years after aging out of foster care, over 50 percent of former foster youth are unemployed, 40 percent are homeless, and 20 percent will be incarcerated. If we do not take care of these children as they exit the Foster Care System, this can result in their future involvement in the prison system.

The average young person does not leave home and become fully self-sufficient until age 26, yet at age 18 the state of California expects foster youth to become entirely independent without any assistance,” she wrote in a recent press release.

Building Blocks is a huge part of assisting emancipated foster youth in our community. While the complex is just a few simple apartments, it is the programming that will impact the future of these youth. The youth in residence at Building Blocks will complete an 18-month program; and upon completion, they will possess the life-skills necessary to live independently. The youth will learn to job search, create a resume, interview, retain a job, budget, maintain and care for a home, and personal health and safety.

Building Blocks is in need of funds to pay for utilities, maintenance, and activities for residents. Consider donating to reach emancipated foster youth in our community-they could really use your support.