By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-994808.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Governor Rick Snyder has signed a law to make benefits available to young adults who were raised in foster care. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports.
Several hundred children a year "age out" of Michigan's foster care system when they turn 18. They lose money for housing and health coverage and, often -- Governor Snyder says -- relationships with caseworkers who steered them through adolescence.
"We can't leave these children simply because they become adults," he says. "Let's support them. Let's make sure they have a lifetime of success."
Once the new plan is approved by the federal government, those young adults can remain in the foster care system until they are 21, and continue to qualify for housing and health coverage. The law signed by Governor Snyder requires them to be in college or job training, or working at least 80 hours a month.
Michigan promised to improve services for young adults who grew up in foster care as part of a deal to settle a class-action lawsuit.