I am a foster carer, and I wasn't mentally or financially ready to leave home until the age of 22. Yet, social services expect children in foster care to be independent by the age of 18. This expectation is unrealistic and can lead to detrimental outcomes for these young adults. According to a study by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, youths who aged out of foster care at 18 are less likely than their peers to have completed high school and are more likely to become homeless (Chapin Hall, University of Chicago) or become imprisoned. We need change. We need our government bodies and social services agencies to extend the looked after age in foster care from 18 years old up until they reach 21 years old. This extension will provide these young adults with additional time for mental growth and financial stability before they leave home. It's time we support our Foster Carers better so that they can continue providing for these children until they're truly ready for independence. Sign this petition today; let's make sure no child is forced out before they're ready.