We are a nation who says we care about our children. Children placed in foster care are under the government care and are the duty of all of our citizens. Children raised in foster care do not receive the same privileges as even households with one supportive caregiver. The impact of a supportive caregiver in a child's life should not be overlooked. Therefore, it is no surprise that for children who age out of foster care they are placed in a highly at risk group.

Individuals who age out of foster care have higher rates of homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment, unplanned pregnancies, school dropouts, and incarceration. We have not done our duty to protect these children and give them the best chance at success in life. That is why Step Out for Success and Foster Hope initiative sets forth to provide an independent support funding to individuals who have aged out of foster care until they reach the age of 25. If we provide the minimum basic monthly income of $3500 to each individual who has aged out of foster care we will spend $42,000 a year person. In comparison, it costs $64,642 a year to imprison someone in California. Additionally, taxpayers pay between $30,000 to $50,000 a year per homeless person. This initiative allows taxpayers to  spend their money towards providing support and preventative measures instead of providing the interventions to inmates and homeless individuals.

Finally, individuals who have been raised within the foster care system have lacked the independence and dignity they deserve. This initiative replaces the outdated system of requiring these individuals to sign back into services to receive non-cash benefits. If you have been part of the system for years it can be traumatic to rejoin the system. This alternative allows for independence and freedom for these individuals to be empowered to move forward in their lives. Protecting our vulnerable by using our funds to preventative care is how we protect our fellow citizens. Join us by supporting this cause!