Tajima Quoted in the Washington State Standard on Extended Foster Care
Posted: 3/28/2024 (CSDE Research)
CSDE Affiliate Emiko Tajima (Social Work) was quoted by Grace Deng in the Washington State Standard on recently signed state legislation that removes barriers to accessing extended foster care, which is a voluntary program to support former foster youth between 18 and 21 years old. The program is intended to help meet the needs of young adults transitioning to adulthood. Tajima highlighted how extended foster care is also an opportunity to strengthen meaningful relationships with adults, like caseworkers, legal counselors, and peers. The foster care system frequently moves youth around, Tajima says. “[Extended foster care] just keeps them connected to those possible supports. It’s not a guarantee, but at least it gives them kind of this chance of having those connections”.