Arkansas Tries To Counter National Trend In Foster Care Outcomes
Posted: June 27, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.
Megan Anthony, 20, and her brother are among the thousands of Arkansas children facing challenges as they “age out” of foster care.
Megan Anthony wanted the experience of a first job, but as a foster kid, she knew that wasn’t likely to happen. “One thing I remember facing is that I couldn’t get a job because I didn’t have a car,” Anthony said. “And I couldn’t get a car, because I was in foster care. I couldn’t get a license because I needed insurance — well, what foster parent is going to put you on their insurance?”
BY THE NUMBERS
Arkansas Foster Care
7,400 -- Children in foster care at some point in 2009.
3,600 -- Number reunited with either immediate or extended families in 2009.
1,300 -- Children adopted or placed into guardianship.
1,750 -- Children remaining in the system, residing at one or more foster homes or shelters.
248 -- Number who reached legal adulthood without ever receiving a permanent placement.
Source: Estimates based on Arkansas Department of Human Services annual statistical report for 2009
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