FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2023
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
YI Releases Report on Improving Job Readiness Outcomes for Youth Exiting Illinois Foster Care System
Improving Outcomes: Job Training and Readiness for Youth Exiting the Illinois Foster Care System
(Chicago, IL) – Today, Young Invincibles’ launched their report, Improving Outcomes: Job Training and Readiness for Youth Exiting the Illinois Foster Care System, detailing challenges in the workforce system for those exiting the foster care system, as well as recommendations to address these barriers.
Built upon previous research by Young Invincibles, this report includes the current landscape of workforce readiness resources for foster youth in Illinois, the challenges in developing career readiness skills and pipelines, and practices that can help improve outcomes for youth exiting the foster care system.
Through interviews with stakeholders and research, it became evident that those working with the most vulnerable youth were unprepared and under-resourced. There is not enough attention being placed on supporting and uplifting youth exiting foster care facilities in Illinois. Creating necessary job-readiness training and opportunities for foster youth will help bridge the transitional gap.
The report outlines necessary recommendations to ensure foster youth exiting the Illinois foster care system will enter the workforce more prepared and more likely to succeed, achieve financial independence, and become reliable taxpayers contributing to the financial security of their families and communities.
In response, Jorge Arteaga, report author and Midwest Program Manager at Young Invincibles said:
“Investing in youth exiting the foster care system is non-negotiable. The current programs and systems in place to support young adults are inadequate, and progress is imperative. Through in depth research and stakeholder interviews we identified areas of improvement for Illinois to best support youth exiting the foster care system.
Our analysis and recommendations outline critical next steps that Illinois elected officials, administrators, providers, and advocates must take to support young adults. Creating a prosperous programming and pathways for young adults will set Illinois up for success.”
Young Invincibles will be hosting a Lunch-and-Learn on May 30th to dive into logistics of the report and the recommendations outlined. Register here.
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org