As parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is helping our children transition to adulthood. Although it may sound like a simple task, we know it takes a lot of work. Parents must teach their children important life skills such as getting a job, opening a bank account and managing money, learning to drive, pursuing education and so much more!

For many foster children, moving toward adulthood can be a frightening thought, as many are unsure where and with whom they are going to be living in the future.

We currently have a young man in our Foster Care Network who plans to graduate from Grade 12 and attend post-secondary. He has lived with his foster mom for the last 4.5 years and is worried about where he is going to live once he turns 18, who is going to help him work through university and help with the cost of his education. This has caused him much stress, worry and anxiety.

The option to continue living with his foster mom past his 18th birthday has never crossed his mind; however, when she let him know he is welcome to stay at her home, you could see his sense of relief. Since then, he has also learned that his post-secondary education could be paid for through the Child & Family Services bursary program.

The foster mom has helped him get his driver’s license, write a resume and open a bank account for him. She continues to teach him important life skills by having him assist her with budgeting, meal planning and grocery shopping. She also makes sure they have frequent talks about the future, what interests him and what he’d like to learn in university.

This young man is definitely a success story, as his foster mom has and continues to play an important role in his life.

Interested in becoming a foster parent? Check out 5 reasons to become a foster parent.